Vernon, NY — Vernon Downs played host to two New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) divisions for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings on Friday afternoon (June 10).

Branded By Lindy (Yannick Gingras) cruised to an easy win in the $57,000 first division.

Middleman (Brian Sears) went straight to the front and led to the first quarter in :29. Branded By Lindy ($2.10) made his move as they headed for the backstretch, brushing from third, clearing just before the :58.4 half, and reaching three-quarters in 1:26.4. Branded By Lindy breezed down the stretch and won easily in 1:54.2. Castle House (Tim Tetrick) came up late to finish second. Middleman held on for third.

Yannick Gingras, sporting the Lindy Farms stable colors, piloted Branded By Lindy to a New York Sire Stakes victory.

Branded By Lindy is a 3-year-old colt by Chapter Seven owned by Lindy Farms Of Connecticut and trained by Domenico Cecere. The colt is on top of Ken Warkentin’s Road to the Hambletonian list. He won his first race as a sophomore colt and now has nine career victories.

Slay (Tim Tetrick) charged late to capture the $57,000 second division.

Slay ($9.00) led to the quarter in :28 and then yielded to favorite Cool Papa Bell (Brian Sears) just before the :56.3 half-mile point. Cool Papa Bell cruised to three-quarters in 1:24.1, and was the one to beat headed for home. In mid-stretch, Slay popped the pocket and eased on by to win in a lifetime best 1:52.2. Cool Papa Bell had to settle for second. Velvet Style (Yannick Gingras) finished third.

Slay vaulted from the pocket to win the second New York Sire Stakes division on Friday afternoon at Vernon Downs. Fotowon photo.

Slay, a 3-year-old colt by Chapter Seven, is owned by Crawford Farms Racing and James Crawford IV while trained by Tony Alagna. It was his first win of the season. He now has three career wins.

Gingras and Cecere combined for three wins on the card. They got their other wins with Sonny’s Moni ($2.60) and Raised By Lindy ($2.20).

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday (June 11) with a 12-race card and a post time of 6:05 p.m.

For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.