Vernon Downs played host to three divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for freshman trotting colts & geldings on Friday afternoon, and the combination of driver Scott Zeron and trainer Linda Toscano won two of the three divisions.
Grand Spa ($8.90) was a gate-to-wire winner in the $33,600 first division for Zeron.
Grand Spa went to the front and led to the first quarter in :28.1. He used a :30.1 second quarter to hit the half in :58.2. Jackson Steinem (Brian Sears) came first-over and challenged for the lead as they went around the final turn. Grand Spa hit three-quarters first in 1:28.3. As they made the turn for home Grand Spa shook off the challenge of Jackson Steinam. Second place finisher Chapheart made a late bid but Grand Spa was too strong and got his first career win in 1:57. Debs Prince Hall (Alek Chartrand) finished third.
Grand Spa is a colt by E L Titan-Day At The Spa. Toscano trains for owner Bay Pond Racing Stable.
Cool Papa Bell ($7.80) took the $34,200 second division for driver Jason Bartlett.
Quincy Market (Corey Callahan) battled Branded By Lindy (Scott Zeron) as they headed for the first turn. Branded By Lindy went on a break and Quincy Market led to the first quarter in :28.3. Cool Papa Bell made his move down the backstretch and led to the half in :59. He led to three-quarters in 1:28.1.
As they reached the stretch Cool Papa Bell continued to control things but had to brace for a late charge from second place finisher Branded By Lindy. Cool Papa Bell won in a lifetime best of 1:56.2. Quincy Market held on for third.
Cool Papa Bell is a gelding by Chapter Seven-Blk Thai Optional. He is owned by Runthetablestables and trained by Jim Campbell. He is now a perfect two for two in his career.
Molotov Cocktail ($6.40) captured the $34,200 third division for driver Scott Zeron.
Velvet Style (Jason Bartlett) took the lead and led to the first quarter in :28.1. Molotov Cocktail had to go wide to avoid breaking horses as they headed around the first turn. He worked his way to the front and led to the half in :58.1 and three-quarters in 1:28.
As they headed down the stretch Velvet Style popped out of the pocket and made his move. Molotov Cocktail dug in and won easily in 1:57. Velvet Style had to settle for second with Barn Bully (Corey Callahan) getting third money.
Molotov Cocktail is a colt by Chapter Seven-Moonlight Cocktail. Toscano trains for owners Richard Gutnick, Thomas Pontone, and Gary Cocco. It was his first career win.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday, July 10 with a 13-race card. Post time is 6:10 p.m.
(Vernon Downs)