Fragment was 3-3/4 lengths the best in the single $174,507 New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) race for sophomore pacing colts and geldings at Tioga Downs on Saturday, July 18.
The son of Huntsville-The Show Returns settled third early before Jason Barlett swung him to command after a :27.4 first panel. Fragment went to the half in :55.4 and three-quarters in 1:23.2 and soared clear of his rivals in the final quarter to complete a career-best 1:49.3 victory over the wet-fast track. Knoxville (Tyler Buter) converted a pocket trip to a place finish, with Fearless Partners (Colin Kelly) third.
Fragment was making his first appearance since last month's victory in the Messenger Stakes and improved his seasonal total to three wins from four starts. The Per Engblom-trained colt is owned by Engblom Farm LLC, Douglas Sipple and Peaceful Acre Farm. The returning NYSS champion is now 12-for-20 in his career with $1,142,172 in earnings. He paid $2.24 to win.
There were three $28,169 New York Excelsior Series divisions on the card for three-year-old male pacers. The winners were Aries Blue Chip ($2.80) in 1:50.3, Cooperstown Boy ($3.88) in 1:51.4 and Johnny Wiggles ($5.14) in 1:51.2.
Bartlett had a driving hat trick on the 13-race card to lead the drivers. Colin Kelly, Leon Bailey and Dan Daley all won twice from the sulky, with Daley training his pair of winners. Trainer Jared Bako also tallied two wins.
Tioga Downs is set to host its next card on Sunday, starting at 12:30 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)