Tioga Downs hosted two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for freshmen pacing colts & geldings on Saturday (Aug. 1).
Ill Drink To That won the $53,100 first division.
Major Bean went straight to the front. Sexy Blue Chip took over the lead just before hitting the first quarter in :28. Major Bean went back to the front as they headed for the stands for the first time and led to the half in :57.3. Ill Drink To That made his move going first over up the backstretch, clearing command moving to three-quarters in 1:24.4.
Ill Drink To That continued to lead as they made the turn for home. Carrythetorchman came flying as they hit the stretch but Ill Drink To That was too strong and won in a lifetime best of 1:53.2. Carrythetorchman had to settle for second. Sexy Blue Chip finished third.
Ill Drink To That is a two-year-old colt by American Ideal-Margarita Monday. Trained by Chris Ryder for owners Craig Henderson, Lawrence Minowitz, Robert Mondillo, and Oompa's Farm, Jim Morrill Jr. had the reins behind the $14.60 winner.
American Courage remained unbeaten with easy with in the $52,200 second division.
Major Makover held a slight lead hitting the first quarter first in :27. Sauvignon Bluechip took over a short-lived lead right after the first quarter as American Courage came flying by and took the lead with a lap to go. He hit the half in :56. Garretts Drama came first over to challenge as they reached the backstretch. American Courage cruised to three-quarters in 1:24.1.
As they headed down the stretch it was all American Courage winning easily in a lifetime best of 1:51.3. Sauvignon Bluechip was second best. Major Makover finished third.
American Courage is a two-year-old colt by American Ideal-Nota Fool Bluechip. He is owned by Fiddler's Creek Stables LLC and trained by Travis Alexander. He is now five for five in his young career. Matt Kakaley drove the $2.70 winner.
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Sunday (Aug. 2) with a 13-race card starting at 1 p.m. (EDT).
(Tioga Downs)