RC Royalty romps in VD qua

The highly-regarded sophomore colt RC Royalty made amends for poor execution in his most recent start by trotting to a personal-best 1:56.1 victory in a qualifier at Vernon Downs on Tuesday. One of 80 Standardbreds attempting to turn in an acceptable effort during the 13-race qualifying card, RC Royalty had trainer Dan Daley at the controls as he cut fractions of :29.2, :59.4 and 1:28 en route to commanding 28-length triumph that trimmed two-fifths of a second off his previous record, earned in a New York Sires Stakes score at Saratoga on July 12.

"RC Royalty was real good today," said Daley following the strong showing in the day's seventh race. "He started the season well (a 2-1-1 summary in four appearances) before a disappointing effort in a Hambletonian elimination race on July 29. We decided to give him some time off and, following today's performance, it seems like he's back on track."

A career winner of more than $536,000 for owner Raymond W. J. Campbell Jr., the brown homebred son of Credit Winner-Stockholm Image is expected to hit the NYSS trail again next Tuesday.

Driver Mark Capone and A And G's Winner combined for the fastest pacing performance after a bold-going 1:55 mile in the day's eighth event. Pressured at the head of the stretch, the William Tomlin-owned sidewheeler kicked home in :28.2 to seal the deal.

Veteran Vernon teamster Chuck Connor Jr. was in fine form as he collected four wins on the day. (Vernon)

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