One of the wonderful aspects of the New York Sire Stakes program is that there is something for everyone. One need not have the one of the leading candidates in a division to participate.

Owners of lesser-calibre horses are afforded races in late closer events and then there is the New York Sire Stakes County Fair program, which not only offers races and schooling for the participating youngsters but helps the county fairs keep harness racing as part of their curriculum.

At Monticello Raceway on Thursday afternoon, August 27, four divisions of New York Sire Stakes late closers for freshman pacers raced for purses of $12,700. Of the four, the fastest clocking was turned in by Jay Sears and John Campagnuolo’s Talk To Tony. Pilot Jimmy Whittemore guided the Artiscape--Muggins Hanover gelding to a 2:00:2 clocking over the heavily-favoured Bullville Player, driven by Stephane Bouchard.

However, Bouchard reached the winners circle when he won the non-betting split with Eagle Art M in a time of 2:01. Bouchard used the passing lane to collar front-running Piano Boat, which was handled by Billy Dobson. The winner, owned by Frank Dettore Horse Racing LLC, is an Art Major--Stasias Gift colt.

Jordan Stratton copped a division with Heartofstone Devie in 2:02 over Sport Mode and driver Billy Dobson. Stratton and Heartofstone Devie teamed-up for their second consecutive victory. Rocco Manzi and Paul Tandimayer are the proud owners of the son of Totally Western--Jennas Stone.

And Bill Bailey won the other division with Steel Rein when they held off a fast-closing and favoured Beepo And Clem (driven by Stephane Bouchard) in 2:01:1. The winner, a Teeth Of The Dog–Mindys Sister gelding, is owned by Nancy Swede and New York Standardbreds, LTD.

(With files from Monticello)