Vernon, NY — Vernon Downs played host to two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 3-year-old pacing colts & geldings on Friday (Aug. 20).

King James Express (Jason Bartlett) captured the $55,000 first division after sitting off the pace early.

King James Express held off all challengers through the stretch to win his split of the New York Sire Stakes. Fotowon Photo.

Stop Staring (Mark MacDonald) tried to control the pace early, but Major Bean (Matt Kakaley) took control just before the first quarter in :27.  Major bean had a 1-1/2 length advantage, using a :28.2 second quarter to lead to the half in :55.2.  King James Express ($4.90) made the lead heading to the final turn going first-over from fourth and challenged Major Bean through three-quarters in 1:23.1.

As they made the turn for home King James Express battled for and took the lead but had to brace for the late charge of second-place finisher Stop Staring.  King James Express held on to win in a lifetime best of 1:50.4.  Bottle Rocket (Michael Whelan) took home third place money.

King James Express is a gelding by Art Major.  He is owned by Deena Frost, Dean Lockhart, Wayne Carlton, and trainer Mark Harder.  It was his third win in 2021.  He now has seven career victories.

Natameri (Matt Kakaley) made a mid-race move to win the $56,000 second division.

Mullinax (MacDonald) pushed the gait away and was first to the quarter in :26.1.  Natameri ($4.00) came first-up at the top of the backstretch and took the lead to the half in :54.3.  Town Gossip (Billy Dobson) made his move charging first-over as they went around the final turn.  Natameri reached three-quarters first in 1:23.

As they reached the stretch Town Gossip went all out but Natameri had plenty in the tank and won in a lifetime best of 1:50.0.  Town Gossip had to settle for second.  Southwind Petyr (Jason Bartlett) finished third.

Natameri is a colt by American Ideal.  He is owned by the Purple Haze Stables and trained by Jessica Okusko.  It was his fifth win this season and seventh career victory.

Vernon Downs leading driver, Leon Bailey drove four winners on the card giving him 80 for the season.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (August 21) with an 11-race card.  Post time is 6:10 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com