Tioga Downs hosted two $53,100 divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for freshman trotting colts and geldings on Sunday (July 26), with Ambassador Hanover ($4.00) and Dees Red Delicous ($7.40) proving best in their respective splits.
In the first division, Ambassador Hanover and trainer-driver Åke Svanstedt held on late for a lifetime best 1:59 score.
Ambassador Hanover charged to the front to grab the early lead before being pushed by Creemore (Verlin Yoder) to a :28.4 first quarter. Creemore could not clear and Ambassador Hanover re-claimed the lead past the stands, followed closely by Sevenshadesofgrey (Corey Callahan) to a :58.2 half. Creemore, who was parked the whole way, once again put on the pressure and got to within a head as Ambassador Hanover hit three-quarters in 1:29.2.
As they reached the stretch, Sevenshadesofgrey finally got an opening and popped out of the pocket. He came flying in deep stretch, but Ambassador Hanover held on narrowly to win. Sevenshadesofgrey settled for second; Creditrina (Trond Smedshammer) was third.
Svanstedt co-owns Ambassador Hanover with the Order By Stable, Howard and Judith Taylor. The son of Chapter Seven and Angel Eyes Hanover is now unbeaten in two career starts.
Dees Red Delicous and Corey Callahan cruised to an easy win in the second division.
Incommunicado (Svanstedt) led to the first quarter in :27.3 before pulling the tempo back through a :57.2 half. Dees Red Delicious ($7.40) then made his move, coming first-up from third and sticking a head in front at three-quarters in 1:26.2.
In mid-stretch, Dees Red Delicous found another gear and won going away in a lifetime best of 1:55.4. Incommunicado held on for second; Special Prosecutor (Marcus Miller) came up to finish third.
Dees Red Delicous , a son of Credit Winner and Apple Plush, is owned by Joe Martinelli Sr. and trained by Bruce Saunders. He is now two-for-three in his career.
Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Friday (July 31) starting at 4 p.m.
(Tioga Downs)