Brian Sears doesn’t make many trips to Monticello Raceway, but he made the most of a race appearance Tuesday afternoon.
Sears clicked for six winners on the matinee program, including a sweep of the New York Sires Stakes divisions for two-year-old pacing fillies.
No Clouds Bluechip captured her $35,166 assignment for Sears and trainer John Berger in 1:56.3. The filly enjoyed a two-hole trip behind American Ivy through panels of :28.4 and :58.4. Sears had his charge on the move in the third quarter, and they took over the lead at the three-quarter pole in 1:28.3 before drawing clear to win by a length over Dime A Dance. American Ivy faded late and settled for third.
Sent off as the 1-2 favourite, the daughter of Roll With Joe-B Js Sunshine won for the third time in six starts this season. The lion’s share of the loot lifted her cash stash to $85,374.
Time On My Hands and Sears were front-stepping winners in the $35,866 second division. The Chris Ryder pupil was parked at the quarter pole in :29 before crossing down to the rail and setting middle panels of :58.1 and 1:28.2. A :29-second kicker was enough to earn her the neck decision over Soft Idea in 1:57.2. Play Again rallied to finish third.
The 3-5 favourite is now 2-for-3 to start her career for owners Michael Robinson, Robert Mondillo, Steve Cheatham and BFJ Stable. The daughter of American Ideal-Bewitching Jewell bumped her bankroll to $44,681.
Sears completed the NYSS sweep with Vino And Formaggio in 1:57.1. The Ed Hart trainee pushed for the lead from the rail and successfully whacked out fractions of :29, :59 and 1:29 before ripping home in :28.1 to win by 4-3/4 lengths over Rockin Date. Killing Em Softly took home the show dough.
The 6-5 favourite now boasts a 1-3-1 record in five starts for partners Randy Bendis, Reed Broadway and Thomas Pollack. The Art Major-Pasta Lavista miss has racked up $58,429 in purse earnings.