Vernon, NY — Vernon Downs played host to two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings on Friday (May 10). Each division raced for a purse of $58,700.
Winnerup (Trond Smedshammer) charged late to win the first division. Star Track Hanover (Jimmy Whittemore) led the group to a first quarter in :27. Chip Chip Conway (Jim Taggart Jr.) took over around the clubhouse turn and hit the half in :55 and three-quarters in 1:23.3.
Winnerup ($18.40) found himself fourth at the three-quarter marker. Owned by the Purple Haze Stables and trained by Smedshammer, he hit the stretch like he had a rocket strapped to his back. He flew by to win by 10-1/2 lengths in a lifetime best of 1:53.1. Big Money Honey (Tyler Buter) came up late to finish second. Chip Chip Conway held on for third.
Winnerup is a 3-year-old colt by Credit Winner. It was his second win this season and third career victory.
Mr Vicktor (Buter) held on to win the second division. Skyway Kon Man (Smedshammer) took the lead and hit the first quarter in :29.1. Mr Vicktor ($5.80), who is trained by Buzzy Sholty for owners Joseph Lee, Diamond Pride, and Sholty Racing, grabbed the lead just before hitting the half in :58.2. He would be the first to the three-quarters with a time of 1:26.2.
Skyway Kon Man charged late but had to settle for second as Mr Viktor dug down deep and held on for the win in a career best of 1:55.1. Whimzical Chapter (Dan Daley) was third.
Mr Vicktor is a 3-year-old colt by RC Royalty. He is a perfect three-for-three in 2019 and now has four career victories in five starts.
Tyler Buter won four races on the night. His other wins came with Financial Impact ($33.80), RX For Success ($3.60), and Travel Winner ($3.80).
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (May 11) with a nine-race card starting at 6:10 p.m. There will be a special 11-race Mother’s Day card on Sunday (May 12). Sunday post time is 1:05 p.m.