Vernon Downs played host to two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for three-year-old trotting colts and geldings on Friday (May 10). Both divisions raced for a purse of $58,700.
Winnerup (Trond Smedshammer) charged late to win the first division.
Star Track Hanover (Jimmy Whittemore) led the group to a first quarter in :27. Chip Chip Conway (Jim Taggart Jr.) took over around the clubhouse turn and hit the half in :55 and three-quarters in 1:23.3. Winnerup ($18.40) found himself fourth at the three-quarter marker. Owned by the Purple Haze Stables and trained by Smedshammer, he hit the stretch like he had a rocket strapped to his back. He flew by to win by 10 lengths in a lifetime-best of 1:53.1. Big Money (Tyler Buter) came up late to finish second. Chip Chip Conway held on for third.
Winnerup is a three-year-old colt by Credit Winner. The win was his second this season. He now has three career victories.
Mr Vicktor (Tyler Buter) held on to win the second division.
Skyway Kon Man (Trond Smedshammer) took the lead and hit the first quarter in :29.1. Mr Vicktor ($5.80), who is trained by G Buzzy Sholty for owners Joseph Lee, Diamond Pride LLC, and Sholty Racing LLC, grabbed the lead just before hitting the half in :58.2. He would be the first to three-quarters in a time of 1:26.2. Skyway Kon Man charged late but had to settle for second as Mr Viktor dug down deep and held on for the win in a career-best of 1:55.1. Whimzical Chapter (Dan Daley) was third.
Mr Vicktor is a three-year-old colt by RC Royalty. He is a perfect three-for-three in 2019 and now has four career victories.
Tyler Buter won four races on the night. His other wins came with Financial Impact ($33.80), RX For Success ($3.60) and Travel Winner ($3.80).
Live racing returns on Saturday (May 11) with a nine-race card starting at 6:10 p.m. There will be a special 11-race Mother’s Day card on Sunday (May 12). Sunday post time is 1:05 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)