The New York Sire Stakes will in full swing at Monticello Raceway on Monday, May 13, as three-year-old male pacers will be in action.
There will be a trio of $38,000 facing the gate, along with two $15,000 Excelsior ‘A’ splits and a lone $6,700 Excelsior ‘B’ dash.
Hickfromfrenchlick (PP4) has been pegged the morning line favourite for the first of the $38,200 divisions (Race 1). The So Surreal colt had a very productive season as a two-year-old, as he banked $138,541 and took a mark of 1:51.3. Last week he paced an easy tightener over The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono Down and romped in 1:53.3 to win by more than eight lengths for trainer Ray Schnittker. Local favourite KJ Leo will start from Post 6. The Gary Messenger-trained colt won the NYSS Consolation at Yonkers Raceway last season and finished his campaign with $68,292 in earnings. The Art Major colt won a conditioned race last week at Monticello Raceway in 1:57.1. Regular driver Jim Taggart Jr. will drive.
The second of the $38,000 divisions will feature Respect Our Flag, who was sharp two weeks ago when he scored in 1:49.2 at the Meadowlands Racetrack for trainer Jenn Bongiorno. Joe Bongiorno will drive the son of Roll With Joe. Sam Schillaci will bring Major Blake to the fray. The son of Art Major has recorded three winning qualifiers at his home track (Northfield Park). Major March will start from the rail for trainer Linda Toscano. The Art Major colt is owned by Bay Pond Racing, Jason Bartlett will drive.
The final $38,000 split has been carded as Race 7 and will be highlighted by Reigning Deo, who was the winner of last year's NYSS Final at Yonkers Raceway. The son of Rock N Roll Heaven will start from the rail with Jim Morrill Jr at the helm for trainer Brett Pelling. After winning the NYSS final last fall, Reigning Deo dabbled in Grand Circuit competition and finished the year with $243,163.
Post time for the eight-race card will be at 12:50 p.m.
(With files from Monticello Raceway)