Vernon, NY – Vernon Downs played host to two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Friday (Aug. 12).

Blue Hunt (Wally Hennessey) wins the $52,500 first division

Blue Hunt won by a length in a lifetime best of 1:52.1 in the first of two divisions of NYSS for 2-year-ole pacing colts and geldings at Vernon Downs Friday night. Fotowon Photo.

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 :55.4.  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 by a length 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 by Huntsville-All On Top Hanover.  He is owned by United Process Control Co. and trainer Erica Chartrand.  It was his third career victory.

Duval Street (Brian Sears) charges 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.

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  by a half-length 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 by Huntsville-Native Bride.  He is trained by R. Nifty Norman for owners Kim Sears and Sundance Stable LLC.  It was his second win in three career starts.

Sears and Hennessey each drove three winners on the card.

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

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.