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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.Ā Ā Blue Hunt ($4.20) took the lead at the top of the backstretch and led to the half in :56.4.Ā Ā Thunder Hunter Joe (Austin Siegelman) came first-up and surged all the way into second.Ā Ā Blue Hunt was first to three-quarters in 1:24.3.
As they reached the stretch it was a two-horse race.Ā Ā Thunder Hunter Joe came all out after the leader.Ā Ā Blue Hunt was too strong and won in a lifetime best of 1:52.1.Ā Ā Thunder Hunter Joe had to settle for second.Ā Ā Livonjaxandqueens (Drew Monti) finished third.
BLUE HUNT REPLAY
Blue Hunt is a 2-year-old gelding.Ā Ā He is owned by United Process Control Co. and trainer Erica Chartrand.Ā Ā 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.Ā Ā Huntinthelastdolar (Billy Davis Jr.) took the lead just before getting to the quarter first in :26.3.Ā Ā Kid From The Bronx (Mark MacDonald) took over at the top of the backstretch and led to the half in :56.0.Ā Ā Bandito Joe (Austin Siegelman) made the first move charging first-over and moved into second going around the final turn.Ā Ā Duval Street ($17.80) followed cover.Ā Ā 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.Ā Ā Second place finisher Huntinthelastdolar came charging late but could not get to Duval Street, who won in a lifetime best of 1:53.1.Ā Ā Goldin Greatness (Patrick Ryder) came up late to finish third.
DUVAL STREET REPLAY
Duval Street is a 2-year-old gelding.Ā Ā He is trained by R. Nifty Norman for owners Kim Sears and Sundance Stable LLC.Ā Ā 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).Ā Ā Post time for the 12-race card is 6:05 p.m.
For complete race results, click here.
by John Horne, for Vernon Downs
