Monticello Raceway hosted New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for two-year-old male trotters with repeat winner AI and the maiden-breaking Titans Mischief victorious in a pair of $70,000-plus divisions on Monday, July 7.

The Ron Burke trained AI improved to two-for-two in his career in the NYSS program, winning Monday's first $72,297 division in 1:59.1 in rein to Jason Bartlett. 

The favoured Chapter Seven-Image Of A Bee colt made the front past the :29.1 opening panel and led through middle splits of 1:00 and 1:30.1 with early leader Secured (Ake Svanstedt) out and challenging. Turning home, AI and Secured were head-to-head, but the former prevailed by three-quarters of a length with Spencer Hanover (Brett Beckwith) splitting the leading duo in the lane to get up for second over Secured. AI went inside three pylons at the top of the stretch and survived a judges' inquiry.

A $202,703 yearling purchase from the Lexington Selected Sale, AI is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Hatfield Stables, Knox Services and Weaver Bruscemi.

A runner-up to AI in his career debut in the opening leg of NYSS at Saratoga Raceway on June 22, the Bruce Clarke-trained Titans Mischief headlined Monday's second split with a 2:01.3 triumph. Driven by Matt Kakaley, the popular E L Titan-Morosita Bi colt prevailed by a neck over race leader Angry Pete (:30.4, 1:01.2, 1:32.3) and John Stark Jr.  in a short five-horse field marred by multiple breakers. He is owned by B Clarke Racing and John Coffey.

In the $27,027 Excelsior Series divisions, June From Dunoon (Hill I Am-Ruby Ruby Who) scored a three-length win in 2:03.4 for trainer Peter Pellegrino with Greg Merton in the bike and Stinger (E L Titan-Flotus) stayed flat in a 2:12.1 mile for trainer/driver John Stark Jr.

New York Sire Stakes returns to Monticello on Monday, July 14 when three-year-old filly trotters come to town. Post time is 12:10 p.m.

(With files from Monticello Raceway)