Vernon Downs played host to two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for sophomore trotting colts and geldings on Friday afternoon (June 10). 

Branded By Lindy cruised to easy win in the $57,000 first division. 

Middleman went straight to the front and led to the first quarter in :29. Branded By Lindy made his move as they headed for the backstretch going first-over from third. He cleared the lead just before hitting the first half in :58.4. He was first to three-quarters in 1:26.4. 

As they made the turn home Branded By Lindy just breezed down the stretch and won easily in 1:54.2. Castle House came up late to finish second. Middleman held on for third. 

Branded By Lindy is a three-year-old colt by Chapter Seven. He is owned by Lindy Farms Of Connecticut and trained by Domenico Cecere. The colt is on top of Ken Warkentin’s road to the Hambletonian list. He wins his first race as a sophomore colt and now has nine victories. Yannick Gingras drove the $2.10 winner.

Slay charged late to capture the $57,000 second division. 

Slay took the lead and led the quarter in :28. The big favourite Cool Papa Bell took over just before hitting the half first in :56.3. Cool Papa Bell cruised to three-quarters in 1:24.1. 

As they headed for home Cool Papa Bell was the one to beat. When they reached mid-stretch Slay popped the pocket and eased on by to win in a lifetime best of 1:52.2. Cool Papa Bell had to settle for second. Velvet Style finished third. 

Slay is a three-year-old colt by Chapter Seven. He is owned by Crawford Farms Racing and James Crawford IV while trained by Tony Alagna. It was his first win of the season. He now has three wins. Tim Tetrick drove the $9 winner.

Gingras and Cecere combined for three wins on the card. They got their other wins with Sonny’s Moni ($2.60), and Raised By Lindy ($2.20). 

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday (June 11) with a 12-race card and a post time of 6:05 p.m. (EDT).

(Vernon Downs)