Vernon, NY — Vernon Downs hosted two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings on Wednesday (June 24). Third Shift (Ake Svanstedt) was an impressive winner in the $59,000 first division.

Third Shift won with ease in a lifetime best of 1:54.3. Fotowon photo.

Take The Credit (Andy Miller) took the early lead but Bluffinner (Trond Smedshammer) found the front before hitting the first quarter in :28. He was followed by the coupled entry of Take The Credit and Third Shift ($2.80) as they hit the half in :58.2.

Third Shift would make his move as they headed for the last turn, going first over from third. He would get a clear lead before hitting three-quarters in 1:26.2 and would just pour it on in the stretch, winning it with ease in a lifetime best of 1:54.3. Take The Credit came up to finish second. Ballcapsnbluejeans (Mark MacDonald) fired late to take third money.

Third Shift is a 3-year-old colt by Chapter Seven. Owned by Melby Gard Inc. and trainer Svanstedt, he was a winner in his first start of 2020. He now has four career wins.

Berkery J (Scott Zeron) charged late to capture the $58,000 second division of the NYSS.

At the start they would be five wide as they went by the stands for the first time. Beerthirty K (Tyler Buter) worked his way clear to lead to a first quarter of :28.1. Barn Holden took over right after the quarter and led to the half in :56.4. He would remain in control as he started to open up as he hit three-quarters in 1:25.4.

Berkery J ($13.60) made his move from third as they made the turn for home. He took over at mid-stretch and held off a late surge from second place finisher Chaptiama (Trond Smedshammer) to win in a lifetime best of 1:54.2. Barn Holden settled for third.

Berkery J is a 3-year-old colt by Chapter Seven. He is owned by Kenneth Jacobs and trained by George Ducharme. He is one for one in 2020 and now owns four career victories.

Vernon Downs return to live racing on Thursday (June 25) with a 13-race card at 4 p.m. For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.