Gigi From Fiji wins Tioga Downs feature.

Gigi From Fiji easily captures the $11,000 fillies & mares open 1 at Tioga Downs on Friday (August 30).

K J's Caroline (Jim Taggart Jr.) led to the first quarter in :26.3.  Gigi From Fiji ($4.10) took control as they went by the stands for the first time.  She led to the half in :55.2 and to three-quarters in 1:22.4.

Gigi From Fiji, who is owned by trainer Mike Deters along with L Barnett, J Warner, and J Spindler, found another gear as they reached the stretch.  She would win going away with a seasonal best time of 1:51.1.  Persistent Better (Jim Meittinis) came up to finish second.  K J's Caroline was third best.

Gigi From Fiji is a 5-year-old mare by Ponder.  It was her eighth win this season.  She now owns 17 career victories.

Hennessey drove four winners on the night.  His other wins came with Check Mach ($3.10), Odds On Cheddar ($5.10), and Tap Tap Tap ($4.90).

Hennessey has a commanding lead for the 2019 top driver at Tioga Downs.  With just eight live racing dates left he has 112 wins.  Last year’s drivers champion Mike Merton is second with 66 tallies.  Mike Simons is in third with 40 wins.  Fern Paquet Jr is fourth with 33 trips to the winner’s circle.  

The trainers title is still wide open.  Mike Deters leads with 36 victories.  Joe Skowyra is right on his heels with 34 wins.  Patti Harmon is in third with 30 triumphs so far this season.  Rick Dane Jr (27) and Jim McDonald (23) round out the top five.

There will be no live racing on Saturday (August 31) due to the Smash Mouth concert.  Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Sunday (September 1) with an 11 race card starting at 1 p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns .com .

Freshmen pacing fillies impressive in NYSS at Vernon.

Vernon Downs played host to three divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old pacing fillies on Friday (August 30).

Hidden Cove (Marcus Miller) wins the $34,866 first division of the NYSS.

Cash Roll (Jim Morrill Jr.) went to the lead just before hitting the first quarter in :27.2.  Hidden Cove ($9.20) took over the lead as they went around the first turn.  She led to the half in :57.3.  As they headed for the final turn JK Finendandy came first-over and battled Hidden Cove all around the turn.  Hidden Cove led to three-quarters in 1:25.4.

Hidden Cove, who is owned by trainer Erv Miller, George Golemes, D R Van Witzenburg, and Louis WIllinger, led as they made the turn for home.  Second place finisher JK Finendandy gave one last run at Hidden Cove but Hidden Cove dug in and won in a lifetime best of 1:52.4.  Fashion Hill (Tyler Buter) came charging late to finish third.

Hidden cove is a 2-year-old filly by American Ideal-Sun N Sand. It was her second win in eight career starts.

Coconut Beach (Markus Miller) is upset winner in the $34,866 second division.

Hen Party (Matt Kakaley) went striaght to the lead hitting the first quarter in :27.1.  She hit the half first in :56.4.  Tipperary Hill (John MacDonald) pressured her around the last turn.  Hen Party still led to three-quarters in 1:25.4. 

Coconut Beach ($45.80), who is owned by Happy Hour Racing and trained by Erv Miller, sat patiently in the pocket.  She pulled out of the pocket in mid-stretch and blew right by to win her first career race in 1:54.0.  Roll With Angel (Scott Zeron) came up to finish second.  Han Party held on to finish third.

Coconut Beach is a 2-year-old filly by Art Major-Gold Beach.  Trainer Erv Miller and driver Marcus Miller combined to win two of the three division of the NYSS.

Merga Hanover (Matt Kakaley) captures the $35,566 third division.

The Fun Marshall (Scott Zeron) took them to a first quarter of :27.1.  Merga Hanover ($2.90) used a brush to go from fourth to first.  She led to the half in :56.2 and three-quarters in 1:25.3.

Merga Hanover, who is trianed by Ron Burke for owners Joe Sbrocco, W J Donovan, Thomas and Scott Dillon, led as they made the turn for home.  The Fun Marshall went all out in the stretch but Merga Hanover was too strong as she won in a career best of 1:53.1.  The Fun Marshall had to settle for second money with Bolt Of Beauty (Marcus Milller) finishing third.

Merga Hanover is a 2-year-old filly by American Ideal-Magic Starlight.  It was her sixth win in seven career starts.

Matt Kakaley drove four winners on the night.  His other wins came with Cloud Nine Fashion ($3.20), Lookatmyart ($3.80), and Dee Dee Kay ($4.10). 

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (August 31) with an 11 race card starting at 6:10 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.

FEELIN’ RED HOT WINS FRIDAY NIGHT 46G DISTAFF DERBY

BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Friday, August 30, 2019—A shocking rerun, as Feelin’ Red Hot (George Brennan, $8.20) successfully authored another down-the-road tome Friday night (Aug. 30^th), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $46,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace.

Assigned outside her seven foes, Feelin’ Red Hot pole-vaulted over all of ‘em, working round 3-5 favorite Alexa’s Power Jason Bartlett) before a 27-second opening quarter-mile.  

After a :55.4 intermission, Dibaba N (Eric Goodell) tried it meekly first-up from fifth. Meanwhile, Feelin’ Red Hot rolled in and out of a 1:23.1 three-quarters.

Taking  a length-and-a-half lead into the lane, she held off Alexa’s Power, winning by a length-and-a-quarter in a season’s-best 1:50.4.

D G’s Elsa (Joe Bongiorno) was a best-of-the-rest three-hole third, with Dibaba N and Safe from Terror (Jim Marohn Jr.) settling for the remainder.

For second choice Feelin’ Red Hot, a 6-year-old daughter of Feelin’ Friskie co-owned (as Burke Racing) by (trainer) Ron Burke and Weaver Bruscemi, it was her 12^th win in 27 seasonal starts The exacta paid $16.40, the triple returned $71.50 and the superfecta paid $289.50.

Saturday night (Aug. 31^st) is one of the Raceway’s marquee programs of the season, featuring the 64^th Yonkers Trot and 65^th Messenger Stakes, both Triple Crown events and both worth $500,000. Companion events—the Hudson Filly Trot and Lady Maud—each go for more than $120,000.

Post time for the dozen-race card is the usual 6:50 PM, with the featured going as races 4 through 7.

The Raceway opens for simulcasting Saturday at 11:30 AM in advance of Gulfstream Park’s early post time of 12:15 PM. Note that Saratoga Race Course’s final weekend has a first post of 12:30 PM through Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 2^nd).

ALAGNA THE LAST GUY TO SHOOT THE MESSENGER

YONKERS, NY, Wednesday, August 28, 2019—Of the dozen 3-year-olds who entered this season’s Messenger Stakes, four were trained by Tony Alagna.

Students of history should not have been surprised, as Alagna has come within a dirty nose of winning Yonkers Raceway’s second jewel of the Pacing Triple Crown four years in a row.

In 2015, Revenge Shark (Yannick Gingras) won a three-horse photo, upsetting in the Messenger at odds of 9-1.

By contrast, in 2016, Racing Hill (Brett Miller), in the midst of a $1.5 million season, fooled no one (we checked), winning this race at five-cents-on-the-dollar.

In 2017, 22-1 Art Scene (Jordan Stratton) closed inside, running out of racetrack against another 1-20 winner in Downbytheseaside.

Last season, Stay Hungry (Doug McNair) outgamed Jimmy Freight in what was essentially a match race.

“(The Messenger) is a race that’s very important to us,” Alagna said from Lexington, KY. “Obviously, you have to be lucky, but also versatile and quick off the gate.”

Of Alagna’s barbershop quartet for this season’s 64^th edition, three advanced to Saturday night’s (Aug. 31^st) half-million-dollar final…though not necessarily the one the trainer figured.

“I thought Captain Trevor was our best chance, but he didn’t race well (last in his elim),” Alagna said. He scoped sick and we’re not sure why—maybe the shipping—but that’s horse racing. We just move on.”

Alagna is ‘moving on’ with U S Captain (Jason Bartlett, post 4), Waterway (Joe Bongiorno, post 6) and Escapetothebeach (Corey Callahan, post 7).

The trainer opined about the trio.

“ U S Captain raced very well last week (second to Aflame Hanover). It looked to me as if he lost some momentum getting jammed up behind the leader (eventual winner).

“Waterway (third to Aflame Hanover) seemed to be doing his pacing at the wire, which is all you can ask. Last season, he paced in (1):50 and 1 and won the consolation of the Kentucky Sire Stakes (Red Mile), so we thought he’d come back a bit better, but he gets around Yonkers very well.    

“Escapetothebeach came first-up against Bettor’s Wish (finishing third), and that’s been the story of his season. He’s had some bad posts and bad trips, but I think he’s had a really good season.”

U S Captain and Waterway both entered the Messenger off local overnight wins, a fact that wasn’t lost on Alagna.

“We wanted to try them there with the Messenger in mind,” Alagna said.

As for the three-head monster looking to take down pole-sitting behemoth Bettor’s Wish, “They came out of last week well and are coming into the final training well.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

The Messenger goes as the seventh of Yonkers’ dozen Saturday races, the card also featuring the 65^th Yonkers Trot ($500,000) as the sixth race, $124,334 Hudson Filly Trot (4^th race) and $122,224 Lady Maud (5^th race). Those program pages accompany this release.

First post is the usual 6:50 PM.

Vernon to host NYSS for freshmen pacing fillies on Friday.

Vernon Downs welcomes three divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old pacing fillies on Friday (August 30).

In the $34,866 first division, the 9-5 morning line favorite is JK Finendandy (Matt Kakaley).  The 2-year-old by American Ideal-JK Fine Art is still searching for her first career victory.  Owned by 3 Brothers Stables and trained by Nancy Johanson, she was second in the $64,900 Geers Stakes at Tioga Downs in her last start.

The second morning line choice at 2-1 is Ladyboss (John MacDonald).  The filly by American Ideal-Shes A Pansation is owned by M&L Of Delaware LLC. and trained by Jessica Okusko.  She has won four times in her six career starts.

Galleria Gal (Tyler Buter) is the 9-5 morning line favorite in the $34,866 second division.  John Berger trains the filly by Art Major-Just A Glimpse for ownners Theresa Donnelly and Fernando Amesti Jr.  She is two for seven in her career by winning NYSS races at Yonkers and Saratoga.

The second choice at 2-1 is the Ron Burke trained Hen Party (Matt Kakaley).  The filly by Roll With Joe-My Lady Day is owned by W J Donovan.  She has a win, a second, and four third place finishes in her seven career starts.

The top morning choice in the $35,566 third division is Merga Hanover (Matt Kakaley) at 2-1.  The filly by American Ideal-Magic Starlight is trained by Ron Burke for owners Joe Sbrocco, W J Donovan, Scott and Thomas Dillon.  She has won four NYSS legs as part of her five career victories in six starts.  Merga Honover has captured NYSS wins at Batavia, Saratoga, and twice at Yonkers.

Her toughest rival is So Rude (Jim Morrill Jr.) at 3-1.  The filly by So Surreal-I Am A Snob is trained by Scott DiDomenico for owners Geoffrey Lyons, Glen Goller, and Abraham Basen.  She has won two legs of the NYSS in six career starts.  So Rude clained her victories at Monticello and Tioga Downs.

The 11 race card starts at 6:10.

YONKERS CONDUCTING LABOR DAY MORNING DOUBLE DRAW

BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Wednesday, August 28, 2019—Yonkers Raceway has pushed up its entry box closing this Monday (Labor Day, Sept. 2^nd) to 9 AM, instead of the usual 3:30 PM. There’s no holiday live racing, hence the early closing.

It’s a double-draw box for the Friday/Saturday (Sept. 6^th/7^th) programs.

For more information, please contact the race office at (914) 457-2627.

BRENNAN WINS SEVEN OF YONKERS’ 11 TUESDAY NIGHT RACES

BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Tuesday, August 27, 2019—George Brennan doesn’t get his mail delivered to the Westchester winner’s circle. Lately, it’s just seemed that way.

This past Friday night (Aug. 23^rd), Brennan won half of Yonkers Raceway’s dozen races.

That was child’s play.

Tuesday night (Aug. 27^th), Brennan turned 6-for-12 into 7-for-11, as is one more win with one fewer race.

Brennan’s night’s began with a chalky $6.40 early double when Wild West ($2.80) won the $13,500 pacing opener (1:54.1) and Bigboy Rosco ($4.50) won the $18,500, second-race trot (1:56.1).

Win Nos. 3 and 4 were also short wagering reaches as Birch Island Betty ($3.40) took down the $18,500, fourth-race pace (1:53.2) and JK Heaven Sent ($3.90) won the $18,500, sixth-race pace (1:54).

Brennan then fooled the public—twice—winning the $13,500, seventh-race pace with Reach for Infinity ($10.60) in 1:54.1 and the $24,000, eighth-race pace with Badix Hanover ($47) in 1:58.3 for the mile-and-one-sixteenth.

He ended the evening ripping out of the $18,500, 11^th-race pacing pocket with favored Sunken Treasure ($4.60) in 1:53.1.    

RUS Fair Series Final Set for Sept. 5

Four horses qualify for event at Monticello Raceway

Four horses have earned their way into the RUS New York Fair Series Final that will be featured at Monticello Raceway Thursday, Sept. 5. 

The non-wagering exhibition will be held in conjunction with the New York Sire Stake’s County Fair Finals. Post time is set for 12:50 p.m. with no scheduled race number or time for RUS yet. 

Horses are required to compete in at least three races throughout the series to be allowed entry into the championship race. The series included nine opportunities to race at fairs across the state and one event held at Goshen Historic Track. 

All participants will receive $600 for earning their way into the final race. Host track Monticello Raceway and the track’s horsemen's association are generously putting up the funds. The winner will also receive a championship cooler.

RUS NY was formed in 2014 to increase interest in Standardbred racing and showcase the versatility of the Standardbred breed. The series, in its sixth season, received a $7,500 grant for initial purse money provided by the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund.

“The New York Sire Stakes program congratulates the riders and horses who competed under saddle on the county fair circuit this year and wish them all well in the final. We are pleased to share these accomplishments on the New York County Fair Finals program at Monticello,” said M. Kelly Young, Executive Director of the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund. 

Educating the public and cultivating racing fans is one of the primary goals of the county fair racing series in New York, according to Young. 

“We are proud to partner with Racing Under Saddle-NY to enhance county fair racing across the state and this year the riders provided even more demonstrations and information to racing fans about the versatility of the breed,” she said. 

Horses Eligible For The Final: 

Akhenaton-  This French-bred 9-year-old gelding has a history of racing internationally under saddle. The son of Nice Love is trained by Wesley Miller and went undefeated going 6-for-6 on the fair circuit. He was ridden to all his victories but one by part-owner Hillary Hartnett and leads the point standings by 100 points. His total point earnings for the year was 300. He is a clear favorite to win the final. 

RC’s Ready- Also trained by Wesley Miller, RC has come on strong at the end of the season having picked up two wins giving him a self esteem boost going into the final. The 4-year-old RC Royalty gelding tallied up three wins and two seconds throughout the series earning 200 points. Seasoned rider Vanessa Karlewicz will be riding this horse for the first time in the championship. Karlewicz rode three horses during the series, but has yet to take on this mount. 

Railroad Lane- Has proven he can beat RC’S Ready as he had a strong come-from-behind-victory off a break in stride early on in a race at Hemlock. However, RC also maintained a wire-to-wire win over him in Palmyra. The 6-year-old gelding comes into the championship race with one victory, three second-place finishes and a third at Goshen Historic Track earning him a total of 137 points. The Chip Chip Hooray, trained by Michael Miller, has had three riders - Kara Duh, Cathy Gearwar and co-owner Michelle Miller. 

Choke Hold-  Had to be retired from harness racing in January when he turned 15-years-old and was acquired by owner and trainer Michelle Miller to continue a racing career under saddle since there is no age limit like in harness. The Conway Hall gelding raced at six fairs without getting to the winner’s circle but showed to be competitive when coming home strong against Akhenaton in Boonville and almost nipping RC’s Ready in Trumansburg after an early break in the race. While Choke Hold may seem like the underdog in the race having only earned 107 points do not count him out as he is less likely to break stride on a bigger track and is proving to get stronger as the season goes. 

The series has always included a top rider award. However, this year a bigger than ever rider challenge was added to the event to try to promote larger fields and more participation (as riders do not get paid unless they own the horse). Thanks to the sponsorships of Oneida Veterinary Associates, PLLC, Tioga and Vernon Downs, $4,000 was up for grabs for riders that participated in at least five races leading to the final. Points were given to riders in the same format used for horses regardless of what horses were ridden in each race. 

Hillary Hartnett won the challenge by a landslide. Hartnett, who participated in every fair race earning 450 points, beat out Michelle Miller who placed second with 157 earned points. Six total riders participated in the series but few met the five-race requirement.

“The extra incentive did not work as well as planned as our participation was down this year,” RUS New York President Michelle Miller said. “A lot of our riders have gotten older, have families, jobs and other priorities so we thought boosting purses and adding funds for riders may help. Traveling becomes very costly and racing is also held during the week so that can be conflicting for a lot as well. Unfortunately, our expectations were not met, but it was not for lack of support or trying. We cannot thank the sponsors enough for providing this opportunity to our riders.” 

According to RUS NY Sponsorship Director Cathy Gearwar, racing under saddle could not survive without sponsorship support. She said the group does fundraisers, but that is not enough on its own. 

“We made sure to promote our sponsors in every way we could this year so they received the most bang for their buck,” Gearwar said. “Anyone who donates $200 or more gets promotional space in all the race programs. We offer cooler presentations so sponsors can become a part of the winning experience if they chose. Thanks to Prolifiq Sings we were able to get a  trifold sign to present at all of our events including our horse show fundraisers. We promote on our website. If sponsors cannot donate funds we also take product to use for prizes and raffles. There is no donation too small as we appreciate any support given.” 

This year’s sponsors included: NYSS and Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund, Oneida Veterinary Associates, PLLC, Vernon Downs, Tioga Downs, Monticello Raceway, Saratoga Casino and Hotel, Triple Crown, Harness Racing Replays on Facebook, D’Agostino Group in Vernon N.Y., Pure Country Campground, The Equine Tax Group, Hoof Beats, Big Dee’s Tack and Vet Supply, Pacesetter Tack and Supply, Blue Seal, T&K Harrington LLC, Party Tent Rentals of Schoharie New York, Southern Tier Harness Horsemen’s Association, Beckwith Racing, Knotty By Nature Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops, Russell Hoagland of Kevin’s Royal Automotive, Enge Training Stable, Mike Miller Racing, The Stables at MiraBella, Divine Equine Equipment for Champions, Iron Horse Graphics, Purina, Barb and Rick Bateman, Hoof Beats and New York Central Mutual Insurance. 

WHAT IS RACING UNDER SADDLE: 

Also known as Monte Racing, RUS, is a hybrid between harness and thoroughbred racing. The sport consists of a rider atop a Standardbred (trotters in the fair series) in a saddle instead of pulling a sulky.  RUS is an exciting part of international standardbred racing and is conducted daily at most European tracks as part of their regular pari-mutuel wagering programs. 

The Fair Series is organized by RUS NY, an organization that helps coordinate and promote under saddle races across the state. The main goals are to promote the unique sport,  educate about the versatility of the Standardbred breed as both a racing and riding horse and to help Standardbreds find great homes after they finish their days on the track.

To keep up on RUS NY happenings follow the group at:

• Facebook.com/RUSNYSeries
• Twitter.com/RUS_NewYork
• http://rus-newyork.blogspot.com

Rus-newyork.com

POSTS DRAWN FOR YONKERS TROT, MESSENGER, COMPANION STAKES

BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Monday, August 26, 2019—Post positions have been drawn for Yonkers Raceway’s pair of $500,000 Triple Crown events, set for the Saturday night (Aug. 31^st).

The 65^th Yonkers Trot required no eliminations, as just eight 3-year-olds entered. Hambletonian winner Forbidden Trade drew post position No. 6 in what was carded as the sixth race. 

“It wasn’t in our original plan, but plans change,” trainer Luc Blais said. “We let him tell us what to do and he’s been training so well.”

Forbidden Trade, a son of Kadabra, supplemented to the Trot after his 2-year-old season. He has won six of his nine starts at 3 ($671,484), the latest an Ontario Sire Stakes Gold event at Mohawk. The colt, has who made two half-mile-track OSS starts in his career, is owned by Serge Godin’s Determination and driven by Bob McClure.

“Always such a professional,” McClure said in advance of his—and his date’s—first trip to Westchester. “Just from Day One, he was mentally ahead of the other trotters.”:

Defending the honor of the Empire State is Gimpanzee (Brian Sears, post 4), a perfect 4-for-4 here including last season’s $225,000 New York Sire Stakes title.

The Chapter Seven colt, trained Marcus Melander for co-owners Courant Inc. and S R F Stable, has won 13 of his 15 career starts ($895,996). He enters off a paid sire stakes workout last weekend at Batavia where every other horse in the field went off at triple-figures-to-one.

The draw for Trot entrants, with declared drivers…1- Osterc (Dexter Dunn), 2-Soul Strong (g) (Dunn also listed), 3- Sheena’s Boy (g) (Andy Miller), 4-Gimpanzee (Brian Sears), 5- Livinonthedash (Marcus Miller), 6-Forbidden Trade (Bob McClure), 7-HL Revadon (g) (Jim Marohn Jr.), 8-No Drama Please (Jason Bartlett)

(g) – gelding

Messenger Stakes No. 64, which began with soph pacers, found elim winners Bettor’s Wish (Dunn, post 1) and Aflame Hanover (Corey Callahan, post 8) starting from the pole and the polar opposite, respectively.

Bettor’s Wish, a Bettor’s Delight colt—the lone $30,000 supplement into this race—has hit the board in 22-of-23 career tries (13 wins, 7 seconds, 2 thirds, $1,131,600). He has eight wins and three seconds) in 11 ’19 tries ($859,544). Chris Ryder co-owns (with Bella Racing, Fair Island Farm & Bettor’s Wish Partners) and trains.

The field for the Messenger (7^th race)…1-Bettor’s Wish (Dunn), 2-Branquinho (Bartlett), 3-American Mercury (g) (Tyler Buter), 4-U S Captain (Bartlett also listed), 5-Reigning Deo (George Brennan), 6-Waterway (Joe Bongiorno), 7-Escapetothebeach (g) (Callahan) and 8-Aflame Hanover (g) (Callahan also listed).

(g) – gelding.  

Saturday night’s dozen-race card also includes companion events, the $124,334 Hudson Filly Trot (4^th race) and $122,224 Lady Maud (5^th race).

First post is the usual 6:50 PM.

ARCI Updates Model Rules for Standardbred Racing

FROM ASSOCIATION OF RACING COMMISSIONERS INTERNATIONAL (ARCI)

 ADVISORY:

Lexington, KY ---At its most recent meeting in Saratoga Springs earlier this month the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI), approved twelve amendments to the Model Rules pertaining to Standardbred racing and set aside final action on other pending items for further review.

The ARCI Board of Directors approved the following amendments.  The proposals were submitted by the United States Trotting Association, many of which were adopted without change:

• Amendment: ARCI-024-036 RACING RULES regarding two-tiered races;
• Amendment to ARCI-024-030 EQUIPMENT (A) Sulkies to include the use of wheel discs, mud fenders and mud aprons;
• Amendment to ARCI-021-020 FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT (G) DISTANCE MARKERS (4) with regard to the fair start pole; 
• Interim Changes to ARCI-024-036 RACING RULES (K) Use of the Whip; 
• Amendment to ARCI-024-035 RACING RULES by adding new subsection Disorderly Conduct; 
• Amendment to ARCI-024-036 RACING RULES by adding new subsection to include “charging the gate” as a violation; 
• Amendment to ARCI-019-010 Terms by adding new subsection to define the term “extended break”;
• Amendment to ARCI-024-036 RACING RULES (J)(18) Conduct of the Race in regard to a horse breaking from its gait; 
• Amendment to ARCI-024-036 RACING RULES, D (Recall Rules) by adding additional subsections in regard to starting violations; 
• Amendment to ARCI-022-030 Drivers - adding new subsection to require medical clearance for a driver involved in an incident requiring medical attention, whether on or off the track; 
• Amendment to ARCI-024-036 RACING RULES (J)(1) and (13) Conduct of the Race with regard to driving violations; 
• Amendment to ARCI-024-036 RACING RULES (J) Conduct of the Race with regard to the substitution of drivers. 

The ARCI set aside consideration of a proposal from the Racing Officials Accreditation Program affecting automatic removal from various regulatory lists.   The regulators will seek additional clarification from the Stewards Advisory Committee concerning the reasons they see for this proposal as there are usually requirements associated with the removal from the Stewards List and such actions are not automatic.   Additional concerns were raised at the meeting about recent revelations that horses were able to be removed from the Vets List lists maintained by InCompass solutions by unauthorized non-regulatory individuals.   Another concern raised dealt with inconsistent or limited access to regulatory lists housed in the InCompass system.

The full updated version of the Model Rules document will be published after Labor Day.  For more information on the Model Rules and about ARCI, please visit www.arci.com

Dancin Lou Dashes in KYSS

By Ray Cotolo, for The Red Mile

LEXINGTON, KY—Driver Andrew McCarthy pushed Dancin Lou to the lead through a quick tempo and widened his advantage through the stretch to win the fastest of two $30,000 Kentucky Sires Stakes (KYSS) second preliminary divisions on Sunday, Aug. 25 at The Red Mile.

Western Exposure left for the front from post 8 while Pyro tucked into the pocket. Even-money favorite Native’s Sweetlou raced third before tipping off the pylons with Dancin Lou in tow heading to a :27.1 first quarter. Native’s Sweetlou took the lead up the backside but yielded for the pocket as Dancin Lou marched by to control the pace past a :53.2 half. Dancin Lou then withstood a minor late challenge from Native’s Sweetlou past three-quarters in 1:20.4 in progress to an open-length victory in 1:48.3. Native’s Sweetlou held second from Odds On Boca Raton rallying from last for third.

A son of Sweet Lou bred by Anvil & Lace Farm, Dancin Lou won his seventh race from 12 starts this season and his eighth from 22 overall, earning $105,203. Tahnee Camilleri conditions the $6.80 winner for owners David Kryway and 1362313 Ontario Ltd.

Odds-on favorite Can’t Beach That swept to the front passing the half and maintained command in progress to a 1:49 victory in the $30,000 opening division of Kentucky Sires Stakes.

Captain Ahab cleared control from the outermost post with stablemate Major Deception securing the pocket and Can’t Beach That, starting from post 1, moving into third. Captain Ahab took the field by the first quarter in :27.4 but yielded the lead as Can’t Beach That blitzed to the top past a :54.3 half.

Skip To My Lou—under a tight hold—edged outside and advanced towards Can’t Beach That moving to the final turn, pressing the pacesetter towards three-quarters in 1:21.4. Can’t Beach That extended his lead through the stretch while Captain Ahab slid through an inside seam for second while Skip To My Lou finished third, but was placed fourth due to flattening the tire of Major Deception, who finished fourth but was placed third, past the half.

Winning his fifth race from 10 starts this season and his sixth from 19 overall, Can’t Beach That has earned $99,104 for owner-breeder Melvin Segal and co-owners Kentuckiana Racing Stable and Eddie Gran. Chris Page steered the $3.00 winner for trainer Brett Pelling.

Beautyonthebeach brushed to the front and faced little challenge when taking the lone $30,000 KYSS split for three-year-old pacing fillies.

Driver Brett Miller placed Beautyonthebeach fourth while Summer Charm led the field towards a :27.4 opening quarter. Miller then angled the Gregg McNair-trained daughter of Somebeachsomewhere wide and rushed to the top before a :55.4 half.

Carousel pulled first over from sixth heading towards the final turn and approached the pacesetter moving to three-quarters in 1:23.3, but promptly retreated when straightening for the finish. Beautyonthebeach kicked clear of her competition by the eighth pole to win by open lengths in 1:50.4. Hydration weaved through competition off a pylon trip to take second while Margret Hill rallied through the center of the track for third.

A homebred for James Avritt Sr., Beautyonthebeach won her third race from 10 starts this season and her eighth from 23 overall, earning $334,873. She paid $2.60 to win.

KYSS action resumes at The Red Mile on Saturday, Aug. 31 with the third preliminary for two-year-old trotting colts and fillies. The card will start at 7:00 p.m. (EDT).

Freshmen star in Reynolds races at Tioga.

Tioga Downs played host to five W.N. Reynolds Memorial races on Sunday (August 25).

Groovy Joe (Matt Kakaley) captures the $38,650 first division of "The Solicitor" for 2-year-old pacing colts & geldings.   

Groovy Joe ($2.80) went right to the front and led to the first quarter in :27.1.  He used a :30.4 second quarter to lead to the half in :58.0.  Columbo (David Miller) went first-over and put some heat on the leader as they traveled down the back stretch.  Groovy Joe put Columbo away as he hit the three-quarter mark in 1:25.2.

Groovy Joe, who is owned by trainer Blake Macintosh and Hutt Racing Stable, led turning for home.  Western Vacation (Andy Miller) popped out of the pocket and came flying in the stretch.  Groovy Joe dug down deep and hung on to win in a career best of 1:52.4.  Western Vacation had to settle for second money.  Columbo finished third.

Groovy Joe is a 2-year-old colt by Roll With Joe-Chotat Milk.  It is his sixth win in eight career starts.

Freedom Warrior (David Miller) wins the $38,650 second division of "The Solicitor".

Level Up (Jim Morrill Jr.) was first to the quarter in :27.4.  Bombshell Hanover (Andy Miller) took over with one lap to go.  He led to the half in :56.2 and to three-quarters in 1:24.2.  Level Up came out of the pocket and battled Bombshell Hanover all around the final turn.

Freedom Warrior ($3.10), who is owned by Forrest Bartlett and trained by Kevin Lare, went second over after three-quarters.  He then went three-wide in the stretch and blew right by to win in 1:52.4.  Bombshell Hanover finished second with Level Up getting third place.

Freedom Warrior is a 2-year-old colt by American Ideal-Chief Karen.  He is three for seven in his career  by winning his last three races.

Back Of The Neck (Mattias Melander) goes gate-to-wire in "The Judge Moore" featuring freshmen trotting colts and geldings for a purse of $62,400.

Back Of The Neck ($3.70) trotted first to the first quarter in :27.2.  He slowed down the pace of the race with a second quarter of :31.3 by hitting the half in :59.0.  He flew down the back stretch and hit three-quarters in 1:26.4.  As they made the turn for home Moon Bridge (Jim Morrill Jr) was the only one with a chance.

Back Of The Neck ($3.70), who is trained by Marcus Melander for owners Howard Taylor, Order By Stable, and Judith Taylor, still led as they made the turn for home.  Second place finisher Moon Bridge made a late charge but Back Of The Neck was too strong and won in a lifetime best of 1:56.0.  Coventry Hall (Tyler Buter) finished third.

Back Of The Neck is a 2-year-old colt by Ready Cash-Big Barb.  It was his second win in four career starts.

Common Sense S (Jim Morrill Jr.) wins the "The Meda" for 2-year-old trotting fillies for a purse of $56,800.

Common Sense S led to the first quarter in :28.0.  Her lead was short lived as Heart N Soul Deo (David Miller) took control as they headed for the stands for the first time.  Heart N Soul Deo was first to the half in :56.3 and first. to three-quarters in 1:25.3.

Common Sense S, who is owned by trainer Ake Svanstedt and S R F Stable, popped out of the pocket as they reached the stretch and she won easily in a lifetime best of 1:55.4.  Thankful For You (Tyler Buter) came up to finished second.  Heart N Soul Deo held on for third.

Common Sense S is a 2-year-old filly by Trixton-Opportunity.  She won for the third straight time.  She is three for six in her career.

Ideal Dancer (Matt Kakaley) wins the non-betting "The Lorraine" featuring 2-year-old pacing fillies for a purse of $49,600.

AP Emily's Dance (Andy Miller) controlled all the early fractions (:27.1, :58.1. 1:27.1).

Ideal Dancer, who is trained by Scott DiDomenico for owners Triple D Stables, JFE Enterprise, D Robinson, and RBH Ventures, popped out of the pocket and flew on by to win in 1:57.1.  AP Emily's Dance finished second with Bolt Of Speed (David Miller) getting third money.

Ideal Dancer is a 2-year-old filly by American Ideal-Shawnee Dancer.  It was her first career win in eight lifetime starts.

Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Friday (August 30) with a nine race card starting at 6:15 p.m.  No racing on Saturday (August 31) because of the Smash Mouth concert.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com

BETTOR’S WISH, AFLAME HANOVER WIN ELIMS FOR 64TH MESSENGER STAKES

BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Saturday, August 24, 2019—It was a ‘Non-Bettor’s Wish’ Saturday night (Aug. 24^th) during Yonkers Raceway’s eliminations for the 64^th Messenger Stakes.

Bettor’s Wish (Dexter Dunn), the lone $30,000 supplemental entrant into the second jewel of the Pacing Triple Crown, summarily disposed of his five rivals in a non-wagering elim.

A pole-sitting second early in the $40,000 off-the-card elim, Bettor’s Wish took over from American Mercury (Tyler Buter) before a 28-second opening quarter-mile. After a pedestrian, 58-second intermission, Escapetothebeach (Corey Callahan) tried it first-up from fourth.

Bettor’s Wish led through a 1:26.1 three-quarters, eventually holding off American Mercury by a half-length in 1:53.2.

Escapetothebeach backed away but held third, with Branquinho (Jason Bartlett) fourth. That quartet goes into next Saturday night’s (Aug. 31^st) $500,000 finale of the Messenger. Lyons Johnnyjnr (Dan Dube) and Captain Trevor (Jordan Stratton) completed the order. 

Bettor’s Wish, a Bettor’s Delight colt has hit the board in 22-of-23 career tries (13 wins, 7 seconds, 2 thirds, $1,131,600). He now has eight wins and three seconds) in 11 ’19 tries ($859,544). Chris Ry8der co-owns (with Bella Racing, Fair Island Farm & Bettor’s Wish Partners) and trains.

“He was just so great, so easy to drive,” Dunn said. “I can’t wait for next week.”

The on-the-card, $40,000 elim saw Aflame Hanover (Callahan, $6) finish what he started.

From post position No. 3, he never had an issue (:27.4, 56.3, 1:24, 1:52), whipping pocketed pole-sitter U S Captain (Bartlett) by a length-and-a-half. Waterway (Joe Bongiorno), paired with the runner-up as the 17-10 wagering choice, was a closing third, while 37-1 rank outsider Reigning Deo (George Brennan) was a ground-saving fourth to advance.

Buddy Hill (Eric Goodell) and Air Force Hanover (Stratton) were fifth and last, respectively.

For second choice Aflame Hanover, a Russell Hanover gelding co-owned by (trainer) Linda and Tony Schadel, it was his fourth (consecutive) win in 16 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $17.60, with neither triple nor superfecta wagering offered.

“He was super,” Callahan said. “He did everything I asked. His hopple hanger broke, but that didn’t bother him.”

Aflame Hanover traversed the Keystone State exclusively, only leaving (before Saturday) to finish fifth and fourth, respectively, in the elim and final of Mohawk’s North America Cup.   

Saturday’s pair of $46,000 Open Handicaps were won by…

--Pace, None Bettor A (Bartlett, $2.30) in 1:50.4;

--Trot, Will Take Charge (Stratton, $8.70) in 1:54.4.

Undeservedly reduced to sidebar status were…

--American History (Bongiorno, $5.60), who matched the all-age track record (1:50) in winning the $37,000 4-Year-Old Open Handicap after teletimer-torturing intervals of  :26.2, :53.1 and 1:20.2;

--Double-millionaire Bit of A Legend N (Stratton, $4.60), who grinded out a 50^th career win (in his 150^th life start), winning the $30,000, 11^th-race pace (1:52.4).

Open draws for next Saturday’s four-pack of stakes--$$500,000 Yonkers Trot  No, 65, Messenger, $124,334 Hudson Filly Trot and $122,224 Lady Maud Pace—take place Monday afternoon (Aug. 26^th).

Roundtown Rocker takes Tioga Downs feature.

Roundtown Rocker (Wally Hennessey) wins the $9,000 featured trot at Tioga Downs on Saturday (August 24).

BJ Loarado (Mike Merton) took the lead just before hitting the first quarter in :27.0.  He continued to lead hitting the half in :56.1.  Jack Rules (Andy Santeramo) started to put on the pressure as BJ Lorado hit three-quarters in 1:24.4.  The two trotters went around the last turn shoulder to shoulder.

Roundtown Rocker ($6.70), who is trained by Rick Dane for owners Rock&Roll Stable and Scott Dane, was locked in the box as they turned for home.  He would squeeze through an opening on the inside and holdoff a late charge by second place finisher Meadowbranch Ricky (Mike Simons) to win in a seasonal best 1:54.4.  Jack Rules held on for third.

Roundtown Rocker is a 6-year-old gelding by Hard Rock N Roll.  It was his fourth win in 2019.  He now owns 35 career victories.

Wally Hennessey added three more wins on the night.  His other wins came with P L McCracken ($5.20), No Reason At All ($13.00), and Blueberry Heaven ($10.40).  Mike Simons and Andy Santeramo each drove two winners on the night.  SImons finished first with Cayenne Victory ($3.80), and Eldorado Of Gold S ($15.60).  Andy Santeramo got his victories with You Said It ($3.10), and Uncle Hanover ($5.50).

Tioga Downs returns to live racing with an 11 race card featuring Reynold Memorial races for freshmen trotters and pacers starting at 1 p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.

John MacDonald gets his 4000th win at Vernon.

John MacDonald drove his 4000th career winner at Vernon Downs on Saturday (August 24).

John MacDonald from Pompano Beach, FL, came into Saturday night needing just one victory to reach 4000 driving wins for his career.  He didn't waste anytime as he drove Temple Door ($3.00) to victory in the first race of the evening.  Temple Door is owned and trained by MacDonald.  He did stop there he won three more on the night.  His other wins came with Heavens Storm ($4.30), Brookdale Bruiser ($4.70), and Sapient Hanover ($7.70).

Bettor's Edge (Jennifer Lappe) wins the $9,000 featured pace.



Bettor's Edge ($2.90) charged right to the front and led to the first quarter in :25.3.  He kept the fast pace going as he used a :27.4 second quarter to hit the half in :53.2.  Dreams Beachboy (Gates Brunet) followed in the pocket and watched as Bettor's Edge led to three-quarters in 1:21.0.



Bettor's Edge, who is owned by trainer Lappe with Robert Santagata, withstood the late charge of second place finisher Dreams Beachboy to win in a seasonal best of 1:50.0.  Golden Gun (Claude Huckabone Jr. finished third.



Bettor's Edge is a 10-year-old gelding by Bettor's Delight.  It was his third win this season and his 46th career victory.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (August 30) starting at 6:10 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com

Strip It Down As Blows Up Tote In KYSS

By Ray Cotolo, for The Red Mile

LEXINGTON, KY—Off at odds of 120-1, Strip It Down As reeled in tempo-setter Asiago and nailed the 1-9 favorite on the wire to upset in the first of two $30,000 Kentucky Sires Stakes (KYSS) divisions for three-year-old trotting fillies at The Red Mile on Saturday, Aug. 24.

Asiago took control early and faced little challenge while setting a clip of :28.4, :56.1 and 1:24. Driver Elliot Deaton had Strip It Down As positioned third and sent the son of Archangel after Asiago rounding towards the top of the stretch. Asiago led by open lengths into the sixteenth pole but Strip It Down As cut into the leader’s margin and stuck a head in front at the finish in a 1:52.4 mile. Asiago settled for second while Back Splash gave chase a couple lengths back in third.

Returning $242.80 to win, Strip It Down As won her second race from four starts this season and her fourth from 11 overall, earning $60,929. Anette Lorentzon conditions the filly for owner-breeder Acl Stuteri Ab and co-owner Kjell Johansson.

Driver Andy Miller placed French Cafe on the front and set a slow tempo when going coast to coast with a 1:54.3 mile in the second KYSS filly division.

The Julie Miller-trained daughter of Father Patrick took command from Whispering Oaks in second and Caterina Hall in third. French Cafe controlled the speed through fractions of :29 and :58 before enduring minor first-over pressure from Fade Into You circling the final turn. Race-favorite Queen Of Trixs sat second over passing three-quarters in 1:26.1 before angling towards the center of the track for a final-quarter sprint. French Cafe maintained the front through the lane while Queen Of Trixs gave pursuit from second, with Fade Into You holding third.

Winning her second race from six starts this season and her fifth in 15 overall, French Cafe has earned $117,900. The homebred for Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld returned $5.20 to win.

Chin Chin Hall hustled off cover in the stretch drive to take the opening division of KYSS for sophomore trotting colts in 1:52.4.

Sheer Muscle moved for the lead with Thunder venturing wide to take control past a :29 quarter. Pilot Discretion, sitting third, brushed for the front and cleared command while accelerating towards a :56.4 half.

Super Schissel tipped first over and ranged forward to match strides with the leader nearing three-quarters in 1:25.2. Chin Chin Hall followed from second over and fanned wide at the head of the stretch. Pilot Discretion clung to command as Super Schissel stalled between horses before Chin Chin Hall kicked past the two in progress to a two-and-a-quarter length victory. Pilot Discretion held second while Super Schissel settled for third.

A Walnut Hall Limited-bred gelded son of Cash Hall, Chin Chin Hall won his third race from five starts this season and his fifth from 12 overall, earning $259,680. Richard “Nifty” Norman conditions the $4.40 winner for owners Oldford Racing LLC and David McDuffee.

Stalking dueling leaders around the final turn, driver Andy Miller sent Yankee Glide gelding Zack’s Got The W towards the center of the track to grab victory in the second KYSS colt division.

The Erv Miller trainee sat pocket to Manatlas, who passed the first quarter in :27.4. Seven Hills, racing fourth, angled first over and marched towards his stablemate after a :56.1 half. The pair raced side by side when approaching three-quarters in 1:24.4 while Andy Miller moved Zack’s Got The W from the pocket to the outside of the battling leaders when straightening for the finish. Zack’s Got The W dashed to the lead nearing the finish while Guaranteed, also stalking the leaders, rallied even wider for second. Seven Hills held third.

Owned by Ervin Miller Stable Inc, Greg Gillis and Harvey Eisman, Zack’s Got The W won his second race from 11 starts, earning $34,120. Fredericka and Elizabeth Caldwell bred the $19.20 winner.

KYSS action resumes at The Red Mile on Sunday, Aug. 25 with two $30,000 divisions for three-year-old pacing colts and a $30,000 single 12-horse dash for sophomore pacing fillies. The card will start at 7:00 p.m. (EDT). 

First Call wins Vernon Downs feature.

First Call (Homer Hochstetler) wins the ($7,000) featured trot at Vernon Downs on Friday (August 23).

Only Passing Thru (Jimmy Whittemore) grabbed the early lead.  First Call ($5.10) took over the lead just before hitting the first quarter in 28.2.  Only Passing Thru had to settle for the pocket trip and watched as First Call went to the half first in :58.2.  First Call continued to lead hitting three-quarters in 1:27.1.  Only Passing Thru popped out the pocket as they made the turn for home.  The two trotters slugged it out all the way down the stretch.

First Call, who is trained by Homer Hochstetler for owners Robert Buddig, Allen Schwartz, and Connie Hochstetler, dug in and would not be denied winning in 1:55.2.  Only Passing Thru had to settle for second.  American JJ (Michael Miller) finished third.

First Call is a 4-year-old mare by Credit Winner.  It was her third win this season.  She now has won 13 times in her career.

Jimmy Whittemore drove three winners on the night.  He got his wins with Gracie G ($35.60), Bold Fresh ($9.40), and Southwind Vixen ($10.00).  Gates Brunet was driver-trainer for two wins.  He got his wins with Meghan C ($12.60), and Michelle Christine ($2.50).   Ben McNeil drove two winners on the night.  He came in first with Jersey Boy ($8.90), and Gimmesomeroom ($3.70).

Vernon Downs returns to Live racing on Saturday (August 24) with a 13 race card starting at 6:10 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com

FEELIN’ RED HOT (SIX FOR BRENNAN) WINS FRIDAY NIGHT 46G DISTAFF DERBY

BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Friday, August 23, 2019—Feelin’ Red Hot (George Brennan, $5.80) successfully authored another installment of ‘Catch Me If You Can’ Friday night (Aug. 23^rd), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $46,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace. 

Wasting no time from post position No. 5, Feelin’  Red Hot worked around Wisdom Tree (Dexter Dunn) before a :27.3 opening quarter-mile. Out in :57.2 and home in :54.2 (1:24.4, 1:51.4) figured to make it difficult for the pursuers, and it did.

         Wisdom Tree and Alexa’s Power (Jim Marohn Jr.) wound up inseparable for second, behind three-quarters of a length.

A belated 6-5 favorite Betterb Chevron N (Jordan Stratton) and Miss You N (Brent Holland) rounded out the payees, while Mach it a Par (Eric Goodell) received lovely parting gifts.  

For second choice Feelin’ Red Hot, a 6-year-old daughter of Feelin’ Friskie co-owned (as Burke Racing) by (trainer) Ron Burke and Weaver Bruscemi, it was her 11^th win in 26 seasonal starts (career 30-for-101, now up over a half-million dollars). The exactas paid $8.30 and $9.50, the triples returned $31.60 and $33.60 and the superfectas paid $72.50 and $68.50 (payoffs listed with Wisdom Tree second, then with Alexa’s Power second).

For his part, Brennan won half of the evening’s dozen races.

Friday night’s Pick 5, which began with a $8,800-plus carryover and $20,000 guaranteed pool, attracted $33,582 of new coin into the gimmick. It was a 3/6/5/4/4 winning combination returning $206.50 for each correct half-a-buck wager.

The Raceway opens for simulcasting Saturday (Aug. 24^th)  at 11 AM in advance of Saratoga Race Course’s first post of 11:35 AM. Post time for the $1.25 million Travers Stakes (11^th race) is listed at 5:44 PM.

Truth And Liberty wins fourth straight open at Tioga.

Truth And Liberty (Mike Simons) captures the $11,000 featured fillies & mares open 1 at Tioga Downs on Friday (August 23).

Juxta Cowgirl (Aaron Byron) led to the first quarter in :26.4.  Truth And Liberty ($4.10) took over as they went by the stands for the first time and led to the half in :55.4.  She was the first to the three-quarter pole in 1:24.0.  Gigi From Figi (Wally Hennessey) came first over as they went around the final turn.

Truth And Liberty, who is trained by Simons and owned by Fairy Horsemother Stables, shook off Gig From Figi.  She then held off the late charge from second place finisher K J's Caroline (Jim Taggart Jr.) to win in 1:52.2.  Gigi From Fiji finished third.

Truth And Liberty is a 7-year-old mare by Total Truth.  She has won four straight fillies & mares open 1 at Tioga.  It was her eighth win this season and her 43rd career victory.

Leading driver Wally Hennessey drove four winners on the night.  He combined with trainer Mike Deters for wins with Mach West ($3.30) and Prairie Midnight ($9.40).  He teamed up with trainer Jim McDonald for the other two wins.  They won with Odds On Cheddar ($14.40), and Tap Tap Tap ($3.30). 

Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (August 24) with a 12 race card starting at 6:15 p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com

DEATH-AND-TAXES DUO DIVIDE YONKERS’ $154,600 PAT QUAGLIETTA TROT

BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Thursday, August 22, 2019—Yonkers Raceway Thursday evening (Aug. 22^nd) hosted the $154,600 New York Sire Stakes Pat Quaglietta Trot for 2-year-old fillies.

A pair $77,300 beneath-the-raindrops races comprised the event, which resulted in a perfect pair of winners

Love a Good Story (Andy Miller, $2.40) went the distance (:29.2, :58.3, 1:28, 1:57.2) in a gapped-out opening division, her sixth win in as many seasonal/sire stakes starts and matching her previous local effort.

From post position No. 3, the final margin was 3¼ lengths.  

Without a Warning (Jason Bartlett) was the bridesmaid at every section, with Miss Jubilation (Ake Svanstedt), Flotus (John Stark Jr.) and C Me Hyde (Phil Fluet) completing the order after a pair of defections.  

Love a Good Story is a daughter of Chapter Seven co-owned by Pinske Stables, Kentuckiana Racing Stable & Daniel Plouffe and trained by Julie Miller. The exacta paid $7, with neither triple nor superfecta wagering offered.

”It was just business as usual,” driver Miller said.

There was a lengthy weather (heavy rain/lightning) delay prior to the second group, which only forestalled the obvious.

The precipitation just about stopped as track record-holder Hypnotic AM (Brian Sears, $2.40) started

Away third from post No. 2, the lass took over from Really Blue Chip (George Brennan) right by the :28.4 opening quarter-mile before taking off…period.   

She widened by the :58.2 intermission, then finished off the foray (1:27.4, 1:56.3) by 3½ lengths.

Seventimesalady (Svanstedt) was second, with No Mas Drama (Joe Bongiorno) and I’lldoitmyself (Bartlett) rounding out the gimmick finishers.  

        For Hypnotic AM, a homebred Chapter Seven ma’am trained by Marcus Melander for owner Courant Inc., she’s now 5-for-5 (three NYSS, elim and final of Jim Doherty Memorial) to begin her career, never once going off at odds higher than 1-2. The exacta (two wagering choices) paid $3.80, the triple returned $50 and the superfecta paid $157.50.

“She feels as good as she looks,” Sears said.

New York Sire Stakes returns downstate Thursday night (Aug. 29^th), with the Bruce Hamilton Pace for 3-year-old colts/geldings (purse TBA).  

Total purses for the 2019 New York-bred program are estimated at $14 million. For more information, please visit www.nysirestakes.com.

Catch The Fire Quickest In KYSS

By Ray Cotolo, for The Red Mile

LEXINGTON, KY--A pocket trip poised Catch The Fire for a 1:50.4 blowout mile in the fastest of two $30,000 Kentucky Sires Stakes (KYSS) divisions for two-year-old pacing colts on Thursday, Aug. 22 over a track rated “good” at The Red Mile.

Driver Mike Wilder placed the John Ackley trainee on the helmet of early leader Fortify heading to a :28.1 first quarter. Wilder then circled the Captaintreacherous colt to the front but yielded as Lottery Winner marched towards the top past a :55.3 half.

Starship tipped first over from fourth approaching three-quarters in 1:24, forcing Catch The Fire to vacate the pocket at headstretch. Catch The Fire then shot past Lottery Winner and opened four-and-a-half lengths on Starship giving pursuit from second while Fortify held third.

Winning his third race from six starts, Catch The Fire has earned $67,022 for owner CT Stables LLC. He paid $11.00 to win.

Moneyman Hill stalked from the pocket and inherited the front from a rough pacesetter to win the first division of KYSS in 1:51.2.

Driver Scott Zeron sent Moneyman Hill towards the front but yielded for the pocket as Its Showtime brushed to control heading to a :28 opening quarter and accelerated towards a :55.1 half. However the pacesetter veered wide rounding the final turn, giving Moneyman Hill the lead approaching three-quarters in 1:23.1. The Somebeachsomewhere colt maintained command through the stretch while chased by Sea Of Life, pulling from the pocket for second. Roll With Jr, angling first over from fourth at the top of the stretch, took third.

A son of Somebeachsomewhere, Moneyman Hill won his first race from five starts, earning $34,730. Brian Brown conditions the Tom Hill homebred who paid $9.00 to win.

Sent the 2-5 favorite, Baby Your The Best swept to the front moving towards the final turn and cruised clear to a 1:52.2 victory in the first of two KYSS splits for two-year-old pacing fillies.

Ellagator took control heading to the first turn while Blood Red ground first over towards the top nearing a :28.4 opening quarter. Blood Red cleared to the cones and led briefly before driver David Miller angled Baby Your The Best from third to the top heading to a :56.4 half.

The Captaintreacherous filly continued to control the pace while pressured slightly by Sail By, stalled wide of the leader at the third station in 1:25.3. Sail By gave way through the stretch as Baby Your The Best kicked clear of her competition, with Blood Red finishing second and Ellagator third.

Owned by Richard and Joanne Young, Baby Your The Best won her first race from four starts, earning $68,720. The Linda Toscano trainee returned $2.80 to win.

Firefly pulled to the front past the quarter and went a slow clip when holding off a backfield blitz in a 1:54 mile to take the other KYSS filly division.

Pristine Beauty pushed for the front while Firefly floated for position from the pylon post rounding the first turn. Driver Andrew McCarthy then angled Firefly for the lead heading to a :29.2 opening quarter and led the field to a :57.2 half.

Wayside, racing third, edged first over moving into the final turn. Even-money favorite Gai Waterhouse tracked cover from second over while Shining Beauty raced third over in a flow nearing the pacesetter heading to three-quarters in 1:26.1. Wayside retreated through the stretch while Gai Waterhouse and Shining Beauty fanned off cover and chased the drifting leader from the center of the track. However Firefly held on in the final-quarter sprint to win with Gai Waterhouse second and Shining Beauty third.

Returning $29.20 to win, Firefly won her second race from eight starts this season, earning $29,000. Richard “Nifty” Norman conditions the Somebeachsomewhere filly for owners Charles and Julie Nash.

Kentucky Sires Stakes action resumes at The Red Mile on Saturday, Aug. 24 with two $30,000 divisions each for three-year-old trotting colts and fillies. The card will start at 7:00 p.m. (EDT).