Zeron, Toscano score in NYSS action

Vernon Downs played host to three harness racing divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for freshman trotting colts & geldings on Friday afternoon (July 9).

The combination of driver Scott Zeron and trainer Linda Toscana won two of the three divisions with Grand Spa and Molotov Cocktail. The other win went to Cool Papa Bell (Jason Bartlett).

Grand Spa ($8.90) was a gate-to-wire winner in the $33,600 first division of the NYSS.

Grand Spa went to the front and led to the first quarter in :28.1. He used a :30.1 second quarter to hit the half in :58.2. Jackson Steinem (Brian Sears) came first-over and challenged for the lead as they went around the final turn. Grand Spa hit three -quarter first in 1:28.3.

As they made the turn for home Grand Spa shook off the challenge of Jackson Steinam. Second place finisher Chapheart made a late bid but Grand Spa was too strong and got his first career win in 1:57. Debs Prince Hall (Alek Chartrand) finished third.

GRAND SPA REPLAY

Grand Spa is a colt by E L Titan-Day At The Spa. Toscano trains for owner Bay Pond Racing Stable.

Cool Papa Bell ($7.80) took the ($34,200) second division for driver Jason Bartlett. Quincy Market (Corey Callahan) battled Branded By Lindy (Scott Zeron) as they headed for the first turn. Branded By Lindy went on a break and Quincy Market led to the first quarter in :28.3.

Cool Papa Bell made his move down the backstretch and led to the half in :59,0. He led to three-quarters in 1:28.1. As they reached the stretch Cool Papa Bell continued to control things but had to brace for a late charge from second place finisher Branded By Lindy.

Cool Papa Bell won in a lifetime best of 1:56.2. Quincy Market held on for third.

COOL PAPA BELL REPLAY

Cool Papa Bell is a gelding by Chapter Seven-Blk Thai Optional. He is owned by Runthetablestables and trained by Jim Campbell. He is now a perfect two for two in his career.

Molotov Cocktail ($6.40) won the ($34,200) third division. Velvet Style (Jason Bartlett) took the lead and led to the first quarter in :28.1. Molotov Cocktail had to go wide to avoid breaking horses as they headed around the first turn.

He worked his way to the front and led to the half in :58.1 and three-quarters in 1:28.0. As they headed down the stretch Velvet Style popped out of the pocket and made his move.

Molotov Cocktail dug in and won easily in

1:57. Velvet Style had to settle for second with Barn Bully (Corey Callahan) getting third money.

MOLOTOV COCKTAIL REPLAY

Molotov Cocktail is a colt by Chapter Seven-Moonlight Cocktail. Toscano trains for owners Richard Gutnick, Thomas Pontone, and Gary Cocco. It was his first career win.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (July 10) with a 13-race card. Post time is 6:10 p.m. For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.

For full race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs