Vernon, NY – Vernon Downs played host for two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for sophomore trotting colts & geldings on Friday (Sept 4).

Barn Holden (Mark MacDonald) holds on to win the $55,000 first division

Hobbs (Jason Bartlett) jumped out to the early lead but Barn Holden ($6.10) went by and took over with a lap to go. He hit the first quarter first in :27.3. He used a :29.1 second quarter to hit the half in :56.4. He would cruise to three-quarters in 1:25.4.

Barn Holden held on by a nose over Sky Castle in the first division of the New York Sire Stakes today at Vernon Downs. Fotowon photo.

Hobbs would make his move popping out of the pocket as they made the turn for home. Barn Holden dug in as Hobbs tried to get closer. Sky Castles (Scott Zeron) came three-wide in deep stretch. Hobbs gave one last lunge and Sky Castle a late surge but in the end Barn Holden held on to win by a nose in 1:54.2. Hobbs was second with Sky Castles taking third.

Barn Holden is a 3-year-old colt by Conway Hall. He is Owned by Nancy Pratt, Out In The Country Stables, Purple Haze Stables, and trainer Steven Pratt. It was his fourth win this season and seventh career victory.

Chaptiama (Trond Smedshammer) captures the $56,000 second division

Third Shift (Ake Svanstedt) went straight to the front with Berkery J (Scott Zeron) following in second. Third Shift led to the first quarter in :28.3. They remained in single file with no change in the order as Third Shift led to the half in :57.2. As they headed for three-quarters things would change drastically. Third Shift went on a break just as Berkey J was making his move first-over. Third Shift was first to three-quarters in 1:26.1 but he caused interference to Berkey J causing him to go on a break.

Chaptiama prevailed over Beerthirty K in the second division of the NYSS today at Vernon Downs. Fotowon photo.

As they reached the stretch Beerthirty K (Tyler Buter) inherited the lead but right away Chaptiama challenged him. The two sophomores began to slug it out all the way down the stretch with Chaptiama emerging as the winner in 1:55.2. Beerthirty K had to settle for second. Third Shift finished third but was placed fifth for interference. Altus Hanover (John MacDonald) was awarded third money.

Chaptiama is a 3-year-old gelding by Chapter Seven. He is owned by the Purple Haze Stables and trained by Smedshammer. It was his fourth win in 2020. He now has six career victories.

Jason Bartlett and Leon Bailey each drove two winners on the card. Bartlett got his wins with Discus Hanover ($2.20) and Grosseto As ($152.00). Bailey went to the winner’s circle with The Big Bankroll ($9.40) and Jenny Lake ($5.10).

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (Sept. 5) with a 13-race card starting at 3:00 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com