Vernon Downs played host for two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for sophomore trotting colts & geldings on Friday (Sept. 4).
Barn Holden held on to win the $55,000 first division.
Hobbs fired to the early lead but Barn Holden went by and took over into the first turn, from there leading through fractions of :27.3, :56.4 and 1:25.4. Hobbs popped out of the pocket as they made the turn for home, but Barn Holden dug in as Hobbs tried to get closer and Sky Castles came three wide in deep stretch. Hobbs gave one last lunge and Sky Castle a late surge, but in the end Barn Holden kept a nose in front in a 1:54.2 mile. Hobbs got second with Sky Castles taking third.
Barn Holden is a three-year-old colt by Conway Hall. He is Owned by Nancy Pratt, Out In The Country Stables, Purple Haze Stables, and trainer Steven Pratt. It was his fourth win this season and seventh victory overall. Mark MacDonald drove the $6.10 winner.
Chaptiama captured the $56,000 second division.
Third Shift went straight to the front with Berkery J following in second. Third Shift led to the first quarter in :28.3. They remained in single file as Third Shift led to the half in :57.2. However things changed drastically moving for three-quarters. Third Shift went on a break just as Berkery J was making his move first-over. Third Shift was first to three-quarters in 1:26.1 but he caused interference to Berkery J, causing him to go on a break.
As they reached the stretch Beerthirty K inherited the lead but right away Chaptiama challenged him. The two sophomores began to slug it out all the way down the stretch with Chaptiama emerging as the winner in 1:55.2. Beerthirty K had to settle for second. Third Shift finished third but was placed fifth for interference. Altus Hanover was awarded third money.
Chaptiama is a three-year-old gelding by Chapter Seven. He is owned by the Purple Haze Stables and trained and driven by Trond Smedshammer. It was his fourth win in 2020 and his sixth victory overall.
Jason Bartlett and Leon Bailey each drove two winners on the card. Bartlett got his wins with Discus Hanover ($2.20) and Grosseto As ($152.00). Bailey went to the winner’s circle with The Big Bankroll ($9.40) and Jenny Lake ($5.10).
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (Sept. 5) with a 13-race card starting at 3:00 p.m. (EDT).
(Vernon Downs)