Harness racing two year old trotting colts and geldings were featured on Thursday at Saratoga Casino and Raceway as the New York Sire Stakes were in town.
There were four divisions of the $36,000+ per division stakes for freshman trotters and there were some impressive performances.
George Ducharme's Reve Royale (RC Royalty) was the fastest among stakes winners on the card drawing off late to win in a strong 1:59.4.
Chris Lems piloted the two year old trotter to back to back commanding victories in qualifiers at Vernon Downs before guiding him to victory in his lifetime debut on Thursday.
Dayson (Conway Hall) was another convincing winner in his $37,556 division of the NYSS as driver Jimmy Whittemore moved the Howard Okusko trainee to the early lead and they never looked back.
Highlighted by a final half in 58 seconds flat, Dayson scored in 2:00.1 as the race's 8-5 favorite.
John Campbell was in town and went two-for-two piloting the Anette Lorentzon-trained freshman Master Class (Credit Winner) to an upset win at odds of 35-1 and Chuck Sylvester's Dog Gone Lucky (Lucky Chucky) to victory as his race's even money favorite.
The Hall of Famer Campbell is now three-for-three this season driving at Saratoga.
Live racing continues on Friday night at Saratoga with first post time set for 6:45pm.
Mike Sardella