On Monday August 28, Monticello Raceway will host the glamour division of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) when 3-year old pacing colts come to town. 6 of the 10 leading point earners in the state will participate on the program.
The entry box contained 17 entries for the regular Sire Stakes, which equated into 3 divisions, each worth $39,200. The Excelsior A class has 2 divisions, each worth $15,000 and the Excelsior B’s will go with 1 split, worth $6,500.
Race 2 on the card is the first heat of Sire Stakes action with 6 entries. The leading NYSS 3YOPC point leader, In A Single Bound will start from post position 4, with regular driver Bill Dobson for trainer Monica Krist. The talented son of Roll With Joe has 4 wins and a 2nd in Sire Stake competition thus far this year with earnings of 136,994 and a LT mark of 1:50.2 taken at Vernon Downs. Cultural Paradise has yet to wear the blue Sire Stakes blanket this year, he has finished 2nd twice and place 3rd once in the class. David Miller will drive the son of American Ideal - Silk Canvas for trainer Larry Remmen. Monticello Raceway 2 year old pacing colt track record holder Barry Hanover will start from post 3, with Monticello icon Bruce Aldrich Jr holding the leather.
Benji’s Best has been pegged the morning line favorite at 5-2 from the rail in the second division.
The Scott Blackler trained son of Roll With Joe was a winner last start at Tioga Downs in the Empire Breeders Classic consolation in 1:50, David Miller will handle the driving chores. Uffizi (PP5) has a win under his belt in this class virtue by his Sire Stake win at Saratoga 3 starts back in 1:51.4, Scott Zeron will be in the bike. Uffizi is trained by Chris Ryder, the American Ideal colt is owned by Robert Mondillo and Craig Henderson. After crushing his foes in the Excelsior’s, A Geez Joe is moving up in class, making his 2nd Sire Stake, he finished 2nd behind Benji’s Best in the Empire Breeders Classic, pacing his mile in 1:50.2.
In the final heat, showcases Heavens Gait, who has been on a hot streak, winning 7 of his last 8 races. The wins include 3 NYSS wins, Elimination and final of the Empire Breeders Classic and the Hempt consolation. He is the fasted and richest contestant of the day with 2017 earnings of $255,997 and a record of 1:49. Hall of Famer David Miller will be in the sulky for trainer Nicholas Devita, he is sired by Roll With Joe, out of the young mare Booya Beach. Chip Walther will start from the rail for trainer Erv Miller.
Race 8 features the first race for the Excelsior A class, the consistent Sir Pugsley (PP2) has been installed the morning line favorite at 5/2, Jim Morrill Jr. will drive the son of American Ideal – Q and A for trainer Donna Marshall. Joe Joe Joe looks to extend his win streak to 3 in a row after romping in overnight company at Tioga Downs.
