Vernon Downs played host to four divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS). Two for 3-year-old trotting fillies well as two for the trotting colts & geldings on Memorial Day Monday (May 26).

Escaper (Muscle Hill) and driver Billy Mann were ready for battle when the starter said “go” in the $14,750 Open Trot at Running Aces on Sunday (May 25).

Following an inquiry that resulted in the disqualification of 31-1 shot Mamy Wata for interference to the 3-5 favorite past the first quarter, runner-up Big Nudge landed in the victor’s seat at odds of 20-1 in the $10,000 American Harness Drivers Club trot at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania on Sunday night (May 25).

Last year’s New York Sire Stakes 2-year-old male pace champion Courts On Fire (Courtly Choice-Ashlee’s Spitfire) picked up where he left off from his superstar freshman campaign on Sunday afternoon (May 25) at Saratoga when the Blake Macintosh trainee posted a 1:52.2 score in an $85,500 NYSS event for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings.

All four Kentucky Sire Stakes spring series champions are poised to defend their titles as the second series of the year for 4-year-olds kicks off on a blockbuster Memorial Day Monday (May 26) card at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel.

In Europe, the 4-year-old mare Allegiant continues the fine form she showed in the USA as a 2- and 3-year-old. On Sunday afternoon (May 25), Allegiant (sired by Tactical Landing) started for the second time in Sweden at Solvalla for trainer Daniel Redén with Ôrjan Kihlström in the bike.

The Art Major gelding Belmont Major N, after getting a big second quarter breather, prevailed in the $16,500 claiming handicap pacing feature Sunday evening (May 25) at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania.

$261,766 was on the line Sunday in the Pennsylvania-sired competition for three-year-old pacing males that was a portion of the “undercard” of Super Sunday at Harrah’s Philadelphia, with Louprint continuing as the king of the division with his third straight victory in PaSS preliminaries.