by Michael Chamberlain, Vernon Downs Publicity

Vernon, NY — Sophomore filly trotters took the spotlight with the New York Sire Stakes at Vernon Downs on Saturday night (May 17). There were two divisions on the 12-race program.

Vernon Downs photo

Clowngold won a division of NYSS on Saturday night at Vernon Downs in 1:56.1.

The first division, with a purse of $61,300, went to Glowngold. Glowngold is owned by Andy Miller Stables of New Jersey, Highland Green Farms of Florida, Blue Chip Bloodstock and S. Demeter of New York. Julie Miller is the trainer and Jim Morrill Jr. was the winning driver. Glowngold took command past the half-mile mark and never looked back. The early pacesetter, Bryan’s Angel, set an opening quarter-mile time of 28.1. The half-mile was covered in 57.2 and three-quarters went by in 1:26.4. Glowngold built a five-length lead at one point before settling for a two-length margin of victory in 1:56.1. Trond Smedshammer drove Share My Secret to a surprising second at 45-1, rallying up the inside nicely to complete a $166 exacta. The complete order of finish was Glowngold, Share My Secret, Maud Blue Chip, Bryan’s Angel, Winning Pursuit, Credit To Elgin, Gammy’s Girl, and Driving Miss Crazy.

It appeared for a moment that Jim Morrill Jr. might sweep both divisions of the New York Sire Stakes, as he guided Market Rally to the lead in the $62,400 second division through strong early fractions of 27.2 for the quarter, 55.2 for the half, and 1:24.3 for three-quarters. However, those punishing early times set things up for closers to come calling and they did once the field made the stretch. Lady With Credit was the first to attack on the outside and that first move proved to be the difference as she scored the victory at 7-1 with Truman Gale in the bike in a time of 1:55.1. Annie’s List rallied from last through a half-mile to finish second and Slice Slice Baby finished third with a sustained drive after also settling at the back of the field early on. Lady With Credit is owned by White Birch Farm of New Jersey and is trained by Trond Smedshammer. The complete order of finish was Lady With Credit, Annie’s List, Slice Slice Baby, Avalicious, Cutup Hanover, L Dees Scripture, Market Rally, Crediama, and Brookside Lily.