Seven Grand broke his maiden in the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for two-year-old trotting colts and geldings while defeating AI, who was previously unbeaten in four NYSS legs, at Tioga Downs on Sunday, Aug. 10.
In the $73,288 first division, Seven Grand ($8.50) went to the front and led through early fractions of :28.3 and :58.4 for trainer-driver Ake Svanstedt with AI (Tyler Buter) sitting fifth. Chapter Geo J (Jason Bartlett) came first-up heading down the backstretch and applied pressure to Seven Grand while giving cover to AI to three-quarters in 1:27.1. Chapter Geo J went all out as they turned for home, but he could not get to Seven Grand, who coasted home to a 1:56.2 victory. Chapter Geo J was 1-3/4 lengths behind in second. AI had no extra and came home third.
Seven Grand, a Chapter Seven-My Abigail colt, earned his first win in his second start. He was a $208,333 Harrisburg purchase by owners Ake Svanstedt Inc., Little E LLC, Soderberg Bloodstock LLC, and Van Camp Trotting Corp.
Titans Mischief ($5.80) took his second career NYSS leg and finished in the exactor for his fifth straight start as he won the $71,918 second division. He sat a gapped pocket as Read The Room (Svanstedt) motored through first-half fractions of :27.1 and :56. Titans Mischief then made his move heading down the backstretch and took over at three-quarters in 1:24.4. Whos Eyes Blues (Buter), who was on his back, became the major danger on the final turn, but Titans Mischief had the jump and won by 1-1/4 lengths in a lifetime best of 1:55.2. Hezagoldmine (Braxten Boyd) finished well back in third.
Bruce Clark trains Titans Mischief, who is now two-for-five in his rookie year. The E L Titan-Morosita Bi colt is owned by B Clarke Racing LLC and John Coffey.
There were also two accompanying $27,397 New York Excelsior Series events for rookie male trotters. Dws Cha Ching ($5.60) got up from the pocket for trainer-driver Phil Fluet and owner Donald La Page in the first split. The son of Devious Man-Yankeedoodlecandy stopped the clock in 2:00.2. He held off place finisher Sir Devious Knight (Rock Vinci) by a quarter-length with pacesetter June From Dunoon (Matt Kakaley) third.
Twin B Seven Sins ($2.60) romped in the second division by 5-1/2 lengths in 1:58 with Buter at the lines for trainer Noel Daley. The Chapter Seven-Affair Hall colt broke his maiden for Patricia Stable, Caviart Farms, Allister Stables LLC, and LA Express Stable LLC. Dress Shoes (Bartlett) was second-best, followed by Negociant (Brett Beckwith).
Jason Bartlett had a driving grand slam. He got his wins with Livonjaxandqueens ($14.40), You Oughta Know ($4.40), Stonebridge Reef ($2.10), and Dean B Hanover ($2.10), the last of which dead-heated with Points North.
Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Friday, Aug. 15 with a post time of 6:15 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)