Two sets of NYSS for two-year-old trotting colts and geldings went postward Thursday at Vernon Downs, and Gimpanzee remains undefeated thanks to another impressive victory.
Chapter Fashion (Jason Bartlett) charged to the front and hit the first quarter in :27.4. Gimpanzee ($2.10) followed in the pocket for driver Brian Sears. Trained by Marcus Melander for owners Courant Inc and S R F Stable, Gimpanzee would take over just before getting to the half first in :57 and cruise into three-quarters in 1:25.4. Chapter Fashion would stay close in second. As they hit the stretch Gimpanzee found another gear and recorded a lifetime best mark to win in 1:54.3. Chapter Fashion was easily second best. Our White Knight (Jim Morrill, Jr.) came up to finish third.
Gimpanzee is a colt by Chapter Seven-Steamy Windows. He is a perfect 5-for-5 in his career.
Thunder (Jason Bartlett) captured the second division worth $54,500.
Thunder ($6.30) went right to the front but Brady Bunch (Andy Miller) went first-over and took the lead before hitting the first quarter in :27.4. Thunder, who is trained by John Butenschoen for owners Crawford Farms Racing, Jeremy Day, and VIP Internet Stable LLC, reclaimed the lead and led them to a half of :57.4. He would lead them to three-quarters in 1:27.1. Chip Chip Conway (Jim Taggart, Jr.) came up to challenge around the last turn but Thunder was too strong and flew home in the stretch to win in a lifetime best of 1:55.4. Chip Chip Conway would settle for second with Brady Bunch earning third money.
Thunder is a colt by Conway Hall-CR Oh Suzanna. It was his third win in six lifetime starts.
Vernon downs returns to live racing on Friday for a 10-race card starting at 6:10 p.m.
(Vernon Downs)