Vernon: Winnerup, Mr Vicktor tally in New York Sire Stakes events

Vernon Downs played host to a pair of $58,700 New York Sire Stakes contests for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters on Friday evening, with Winnerup and Mr Vicktor going home with the victories.

Winnerup (Trond Smedshammer) stalked from fifth through the 27-second opening quarter and 55-second half-mile mark in the first split, then came two- and three-wide on the far turn. He would overhaul battling leaders Chip Chip Conway (Jim Taggart Jr.) and Lights Come On (Jim Morrill Jr.) past the 1:23 3/5 three-quarters, and then he opened up all the way through the lane, winning by 10 1/2 lengths in 1:53 1/5. Big Money Honey (Tyler Buter) rallied from seventh and last to second in the final quarter, and Chip Chip Conway held third.

Smedshammer also trains Winnerup, a Credit Winner colt, for owner Purple Haze Stables LLC. This was Winnerup's third career win, and he has now earned $53,325. He was sent off at 8-1 and paid $18.40 to win.

In the other grouping Skyway Kon Man and Smedshammer took the field of seven to the 29 1/5 first quarter, but Mr Vicktor (Buter) came to the outside from fourth and was able to clear past the 58 2/5 half. Mr Vicktor got a gap on the field around the far turn and to the 1:26 2/5 three-quarters, then lasted through the lane, finding the wire in 1:55 1/5 and a neck to the good over a closing Skyway Kon Man. Whimzical Chapter (Dan Daley) was the third-place finisher.

Mr Vicktor, a colt by RC Royalty, is trained by Buzzy Sholty for owners Joe Lee, Diamond Pride LLC., and Sholty Racing LLC. Mr Vicktor is now a four-time winner, and he has pocketed $51,650. The 9-5 second choice, he returned $5.80 to win.