Vernon Downs played host to two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for two-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Friday (Aug. 12).
Blue Hunt ($4.20) picked up his third NYSS victory with a career-best 1:52.1 effort in the $52,500 first division for driver Wally Hennessey.
Hurrikane Hunter (Jason Bartlett) led to the quarter in :26.4 then Blue Hunt took over at the top of the backstretch and led to the half in :55.4.
Thunder Hunter Joe (Austin Siegelman) came first-up and surged all the way into second while Blue Hunt continued on the front to three-quarters in 1:24.3.
As they reached the stretch, it was a two-horse race. Thunder Hunter Joe came all out after the leader but Blue Hunt was too strong and won by a length. Thunder Hunter Joe had to settle for second with Livonjaxandqueens (Drew Monti) rounding out the top three.
Blue Hunt (pictured above) is a gelding by Huntsville-All On Top Hanover, owned by United Process Control Co. and trainer Erica Chartrand. He is now three-for-six lifetime.
Duval Street ($17.80) was a late-charging upset winner in the $53,500 second division, circling the field of seven in the final half-mile to take a new lifetime mark of 1:53.1 with Brian Sears in the bike.
American Fling (Jason Bartlett) went straight to the front but Huntinthelastdolar (Billy Davis Jr.) took the lead just before getting to the quarter in :26.3. There was another leader change by the :56 half-mile mark as Kid From The Bronx (Mark MacDonald) took over at the top of the backstretch.
Bandito Joe (Austin Siegelman) then charged first-over and moved into second going around the final turn with Duval Street following the cover. Meanwhile, Kid From The Bronx was first to three-quarters in 1:25.1.
As the field made the turn for home, Duval Street came three-wide flying down the stretch and took over the lead. Huntinthelastdolar came charging late but could not get to Duval Street, who prevailed by a half-length. Goldin Greatness (Patrick Ryder) came up late to finish third.
Duval Street is a gelding by Huntsville-Native Bride, trained by Richard 'Nifty' Norman for owners Kim Sears and Sundance Stable LLC. From three career starts -- all in the NYSS -- he's won twice.
Live harness racing continues at Vernon Downs on Saturday, Aug. 13. Post time for the 12-race card is 6:05 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)