by James Witherite, Tioga Downs racing media
Of four New York Sire Stakes events held at Tioga Downs on
Friday (July 18) evening, two-year-old sons of top trotting sire RC Royalty
proved victorious in three of them.
The first division, carded as the $28,250 third race, saw
Royal Lad (RC Royalty-Hostesswithmostess) kick cover off the far turn, rallying
for a half-length win in 1:59.4 over Drinksforthehouse and Crazy Levi.
Mike Simons drove Royal Lad in the 11-1 upset win for trainer Roman
Lopez.
In the following race, Royal Deceptor (RC Royalty-Art of
Deception) made an aggressive brush to the lead with a circuit to go, widening
his lead through the final three-eighths of the mile en route to a 7-3/4 length
win over a late rallying Elusive Action and the first-over Commentary.
Royal Deceptor, an easy winner at Buffalo in his career debut, returned a
scant $2.70 to win with his effortless 1:58.2 performance. Michael
McGivern handled the driving duties for trainer Cheryl McGivern.
The sixth race, devoid of RC Royalty progeny, was the next
Sire Stakes event on the evening, with Mambo Blue Chip (Lucky Chucky-Flirty
Two) prevailing after a slingshot move on the far turn propelled him to the
lead off the far turn. He held on for a narrow 1:57.2 victory, digging in
to just stave off 3-2 favorite Habitat, who was mounting a massive late rally
after an early break. Jeff Gregory drove the 9-1 Mambo Blue Chip for
trainer Linda Toscano.
George Ducharme trainee Wings of Royalty (RC
Royalty-Sparkling Cider) wrapped up the New York Sire Stakes portion of the
program in the seventh race, edging clear for a three-length win in rein to
Chris Lems. He held clear of Credit Creation and Azucar in a 1:57.4 mile,
prevailing as the lukewarm 5-2 favorite.
Racing resumes at Tioga Downs on Saturday (July 19) evening,
with a 13-race card set to kick off at 6:15 p.m. EDT.
