Vernon Downs hosted two divisions
of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for sophomore pacing colts and geldings on
Thursday (July 9). Both divisions raced for a purse of $57,000.
Splash Brother (Tyler Buter)
cruises to victory in the first division.
Save Me A Dance (Jason Bartlett)
went to the front but Reagan Blue Chip (Brian Sears) blew on by just before
hitting the first quarter in :26.0. He used a :29.0 second quarter to hit
the half in :55.0. Splash Brother ($5.10) made his move from fourth and
took over as they headed to the final turn. He started to get some
separation after hitting three-quarters in :122.2.
As they made the turn for home
the battle was for second as Splash Brother turned on the Jets and set a new
track record for 3-year-old geldings in 1:49.0. Save Me A Dance found an
opening on the inside to get second. With the favorite JK Last Chance
(Wally Hennessey) coming up to get third.
Splash Brother is a gelding by So
Surreal. He is owned by trainer Ray Scnittker along with Nolamaura
Racing, Steven Arnold, and Tammy Flannery. It was his third win this
season after getting no wins as a freshman.
Groovy Joe (Matt Kakaley) much
the best in the second division.
Genius Man (Marcus Miller) got
the first call but Groovy Joe work his way to the front from his outside post
to take over before the first turn. He hit the first quarter in a
sizzling :25.3. The colt continued to control the pace with a :28.1
second quarter, putting up a half of :53.4. As they headed around the
final turn the big favorite Blank Stare (Scott Zeron) made his move first-over
but it was Groovy Joe first at three-quarters in 1:21.4.
As they reached the stretch
Groovy Joe found another gear and all Blank Stare could do was watch as Groovy
Joe hit the line in 1:48.4. It was a lifetime best but a second off the
track record for sophomore colts. Noe the less he had the fastest mile of
the night. Blank Stare settled for second with Genius Man holding on for
third money.
Groovy Joe is a colt by Roll With
Joe. Owned by Hutt Racing Stable, Ozzie MacKay, Hoofbid Racing and
trainer Blake Macintosh. It was his first win in four starts this
season. He now owns eight career victories.
Vernon Downs returns to live
racing on Friday (July 10) with a 12-race card starting at 4 p.m. There
will also be racing on Saturday (July 11) featuring NYSS for trotting
3-year-old fillies. The starting time for the 15-race card is a
1:10 p.m.
For more information go to www.vernondowns.com
