Tioga Downs played host to two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for freshman trotting colts and geldings on Sunday, June 30. Both divisions raced for a purse of $55,000.
In the first division Praying Ruby charged to the front. He led to a first quarter in :29.2 and the half in 1:00.0. R Herbie Blue Chip went first over and pressured Praying Ruby all the way through the back stretch. Praying Ruby maintained the lead as they hit three-quarters in 1:28.4. R Herbie Blue Chip went on a break as they went around the final turn.
Sky Castles, who is owned by Robert Key and trained by Charlie Norris, sat in the pocket the whole trip. As they hit the stretch he came flying out of the pocket to pick up the win in 1:57.4. Berkery J came on late to finish second. Praying Ruby held for third.
Sky Castles is a two-year-old colt by Conway Hall-Sand Piper. He is now one for one in his career. Matt Kakaley drove the $51.00 winner.
In the second division, Take The Credit charged out to the front and led to a first quarter in :28.4 and to the half in 1:00.0. Third Shift went first over from third as they raced down the back stretch. Take The Credit hit three-quarters first in 1:29.0.
Third Shift ($4.60), who is owned by Melby Gard Inc. and trained by driver Ake Svanstedt, put pressure on Take The Credit all the way around the final turn. As they reached the stretch Third Shift blew right by to win easily in 1:57.4. Chaptiama came charging late to finish second. Take The Credit had to settle for third.
Third Shift is a two-year-old colt by Chapter Seven-Overnight Command. The winner on debut paid $4.60.
Tioga Downs' leading driver Wally Hennessey won five races on the day. He got his wins with Bazaar Bazaar ($4.20), Bourbon Express ($11.40), Rockintouch ($15.80), Boli ($6.80), and Campbellini ($3.50).
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Thursday, July 4 as they host four divisions of the NYSS for freshmen trotting fillies. The special 15-race card starts at 1:00 p.m.
(with files from Tioga Downs)