Mark Harder sweeps New York Sire Stakes

Vernon Downs played host for two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for harness racing freshmen pacing colts & geldings on Friday (August 28). Trainer Mark Harder sweeps both divisions.

Southwind Petyr (Dexter Dunn) charges late to win the $51,300 first division.

With unbeaten American Courage out of the race scratched sick, it was a wide-open affair. What About Bob (Troy Beyer) took the lead as they went by the stands for the first time. Southwind Petyr ($5.10) took control just before hitting the first quarter in :27.1. Sauvignon Bluechip (Tyler Buter) came flying first-over from fourth and took command and hit the half first in :56.2. Major Makover (Mark MacDonald) made a move first-over going around the final turn. Sauvignon Bluechip still had a slight lead as he hit three-quarters first in 1:25.1.

As they made the turn for home Major Makover came hard at Sauvignon Bluechip in the stretch. Southwind Petyr desperately needed racing room. He finally found an opening on the inside and squeezed right on by to win his first career race hitting the mile in 1:52.4. Major Makover finished second with Sauvignon Bluechip settling for third.

Southwind Petyr is a colt by American Ideal-Southwind Paris. He is owned by Deena Frost, Wayne Carleton, Dean Lockhart, and trainer Harder. It was his first win in two career starts.

Southwind Petyr

King James Express (Jason Bartlett) captures the $50,400 second division.

Make My Deo (Tyler Buter) went to the lead and led to the first quarter in :27.0. The big favorite I'll Drink To That (Dexter Dunn) came first-up from third and took the lead hitting the first half on top in :55.1. I'll Drink To That looked strong hitting three-quarter first in 1:23.3.

King James Express ($10.60) made his move from third as they reached the stretch. He came flying down the stretch like he was fired out of a cannon. He blew right on by to win in a lifetime best of 1:52.0. I'll Drink To That held on to finish second. Stop Staring (Mark MacDonald) came up to finish third.

King James Express is a gelding by Art Major-More Diamonds. Owners Carleton, Frost, and Harder once again teamed up as part of the NYSS sweep. He is now two for six in his career.

King James Express

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (August 29) with a 13-race card starting at 3 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com

John Horne for Vernon Downs