Of four New York Sire Stakes events held at Tioga Downs on Friday (July 18) evening, two-year-old sons of top trotting sire RC Royalty proved victorious in three of them.
The first division, carded as the $28,250 third race, saw Royal Lad (RC Royalty-Hostesswithmostess) kick cover off the far turn, rallying for a half-length win in 1:59.4 over Drinksforthehouse and Crazy Levi. Mike Simons drove Royal Lad in the 11-1 upset win for trainer Roman Lopez.
In the following race, Royal Deceptor (RC Royalty-Art of Deception) made an aggressive brush to the lead with a circuit to go, widening his lead through the final three-eighths of the mile en route to a seven and three-quarter length win over a late-rallying Elusive Action and the first-over Commentary. Royal Deceptor, an easy winner at Buffalo in his career debut, returned a scant $2.70 to win with his effortless 1:58.2 performance. Michael McGivern handled the driving duties for trainer Cheryl McGivern.
The sixth race, devoid of RC Royalty progeny, was the next Sire Stakes event on the evening, with Mambo Blue Chip (Lucky Chucky-Flirty Two) prevailing after a slingshot move on the far turn propelled him to the lead off the far turn. He held on for a narrow 1:57.2 victory, digging in to just stave off 3-2 favourite Habitat, who was mounting a massive late rally after an early break. Jeff Gregory drove the 9-1 Mambo Blue Chip for trainer Linda Toscano.
George Ducharme trainee Wings Of Royalty (RC Royalty-Sparkling Cider) wrapped up the New York Sire Stakes portion of the program in the seventh race, edging clear for a three-length win in rein to Chris Lems. He held clear of Credit Creation and Azucar in a 1:57.4 mile, prevailing as the lukewarm 5-2 favorite.
Racing resumes at Tioga Downs on Saturday (July 19) evening, with a 13-race card set to kick off at 6:15 p.m. EDT.
(Tioga Downs)