Freshman Huntsville sons sweep $106,000 NYSS leg

Vernon Downs played host to two harness racing divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old pacing colts & geldings on Friday (August 12),

Blue Hunt (Huntsville-All On Top Hanover, Wally Hennessey) won the $52,500 first division.

Hurrikane Hunter (Jason Bartlett) led to the quarter in :26.4.  Blue Hunt ($4.20) took the lead at the top of the backstretch and led to the half in :56.4.  Thunder Hunter Joe (Austin Siegelman) came first-up and surged all the way into second.  Blue Hunt was first 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.  Blue Hunt was too strong and won in a lifetime best of 1:52.1.  Thunder Hunter Joe had to settle for second.  Livonjaxandqueens (Drew Monti) finished third.

Blue Hunt is a 2-year-old gelding.  He is owned by United Process Control Co. and trainer Erica Chartrand.  It was his third career victory in six starts; he has earned $86,670.

Duval Street (Huntsville-Native Bride, Brian Sears) charged late to capture the $53,500 second division.

American Fling (Jason Bartlett) went straight to the front.  Huntinthelastdolar (Billy Davis Jr.) took the lead just before getting to the quarter first in :26.3.  Kid From The Bronx (Mark MacDonald) took over at the top of the backstretch and led to the half in :56.0.  Bandito Joe (Austin Siegelman) made the first move charging first-over and moved into second going around the final turn.  Duval Street ($17.80) followed cover.  Kid From The Bronx was first to three-quarters in 1:25.1.

As they made the turn for home Duval Street came three-wide flying down the stretch and took over the lead.  Second place finisher Huntinthelastdolar came charging late but could not get to Duval Street, who won in a lifetime best of 1:53.1.  Goldin Greatness (Patrick Ryder) came up late to finish third.

Duval Street is a 2-year-old gelding.  He is trained by R. Nifty Norman for owners Kim Sears and Sundance Stable LLC.  It was his second win in three career starts and upped his bankroll to $56,054.

Sears and Hennessey each drove three winners on the card.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (August 13).  Post time for the 12-race card is 6:05 p.m.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs