Sophomore Trotters Head To Tioga For NYSS
![Sir Pinocchio](/sites/default/files/styles/headline_image_1024_x_577/public/2024-07/SirPinocchio-July182024-MikeLizzi-1024px.jpg?itok=p0LII6FE)
Tioga Downs will host two $57,000 USD divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for three-year-old colt and gelding trotters on Sunday, Aug. 11.
Fly By is the 8-5 morning line favourite from post four in the first division of five. The colt by Chapter Seven is trained by Tony Alagna and will be driven by Jason Bartlett. He won a division of the NYSS in the July 18 leg at Yonkers Raceway two starts ago for Canadian owners Marvin Katz, Al Libfeld and Pryde Stables Inc.
The Marcus Melander-trained Thinker Monkey is the 5-2 second choice on the morning line with Mark MacDonald listed to drive from the outside post. The colt by Chapter Seven is winless this season but is coming off a decent second-place showing in the Muscle Hill at The Meadowlands.
Sir Pinnochio (pictured above) is the heavy 7-5 morning line favourite in the second division, with Bartlett driving from post three. Owned and bred by Carolyn Atherton, the gelding by Mets Hall is trained by Ed Hart and sports victories in the Yonkers Trot and Dexter Cup this season along with NYSS wins at Yonkers and Monticello Raceway. He is coming off a runner-up finish in a division of the Muscle Hill.
George Ducharme trains the 3-1 second choice, Keep Asking, who will start from post two with Tyler Buter in the bike. The colt by Chapter Seven won a division of the NYSS at Monticello.
The 15-race card starts at 1 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)