The New York State Fair rolled into Tioga Downs on Saturday night for a two day stay, and featured five divisions, two for three-year-old colt pacers, and three for three-year-old colt trotters
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In the second division for three-year-old colt and gelding pacers, a new track record was marked up by Art Z and Brandon Simpson.
Leaving hard from post position number six, Art Z tripped the quarter pole timer in :26.3. As the field headed by the three-eighths pole, Flipper J and Jason Bartlett took control of the lead and cut through a half in :55.2. Down the backside headed towards three-quarters, it was a two-horse breakaway as Bartlett throttled the third quarter in :27 trying to shake Art Z, but he was painted to his helmet in two. Down the stretch there was no doubt about the winner as Art Z and Simpson eased by the leader to stop the teletimer in 1:50.4, establishing a new track mark for three-year-old gelding pacers. The previous mark had been held by Frankyluvsmeatbals of 1:51.1.
Art Z is trained by Jordan Rubin for Richard Lombardo of Solon, Ohio, and with the win increased his seasonal earnings to more than $114,000.
In the first $57,603 division for sophomore pacers, American Rage used a first over brush to take control of the lead and never relinquish it en route to a 1:52.1 victory, establishing a new lifetime mark with Ed Hensley.
The most impressive victory in the three divisions of the State Fair Stakes for three-year-old trotters was put up by Keenan in the second division as he extended his win streak to six. Leaving from post position number seven, Jeff Gregory landed on the point and never looked back trotting home in 1:55.1 to win with ease.
In the other divisions, Bristles Winner (Jeff Gregory) posted a narrow victory in 1:55.4, while Tober (Jason Bartlett) posted an open length win in 1:56.
Tioga Downs continues live racing on Sunday, August 14 at 1:30 p.m. and will feature the undefeated sophomore pacing sensation See You At Peelers in race number eight.
(Tioga Downs)