Two year old pacing colts taking part in the New York Sire Stakes were featured on Tuesday night at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
There were two divisions of the $80,000+ Sire Stakes for freshman colts and in the first division, what looked like it would be a battle of the titans between the undefeated Melodies Major and the super-fast superstar Major Blake never came to fruition.
The Sam Schillaci-trained Major Blake was a late scratch due to sickness which made Melodies Major (Art Major-Hilarious) a 1-9 favourite as the freshman looked to build on a beginning to his career that yielded four wins in four tries. On Tuesday night, Tyler Buter once again piloted the Mark Ford trainee and moved the star pacer out to the early lead his $81,750 division of the NYSS.
Though Melodies Major had his way on the front end, the freshman came up empty and longshot Reigning Deo (Rock N Roll Heaven-Little Miss K) came from well off the pace to prevail in career-best fashion. Jim Morrill, Jr. piloted the freshman to the 1:54.2 victory for trainer Brett Pelling. Buddy Hill (Scott Zeron) was the runner-up for the second consecutive start while World On Edge (Matt Kakaley) earned the show spot. The heavily backed Melodies Major faded sharply late and ended up last.
Reigning Deo returned $24.40 to win in recording his second victory in just three career starts.
The other division of the NYSS for two year old pacing colts and geldings went the way of Bicorne Hanover (Art Major-Boldnbrash Hanover) who pulled off the mild upset as he and driver Matt Kakaley went wire-to-wire in 1:54.3. Bicorne Hanover is now a two-time winner in the New York Sire Stakes this season as the Ron Burke trainee took advantage of post position one to wire the field. Returning $11.40 to win, Bicorne Hanover bested longshot runner-up KJ Leo (Scott Zeron) and co-favoured Jack Nation (Jim Morrill, Jr.) who earned the show spot. The 1:54.3 clocking served as a lifetime mark for the freshman pacer.
Live racing continues on Wednesday evening at Saratoga with live racing starting at 7:05 p.m.
(Saratoga Casino Hotel)