Tioga Downs played host to two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for three-year-old trotting colts & geldings on Saturday (August 21).
Balenciaga out dueled barn mate, Ahundreddollarbill (Andrew McCarthy) to win the $56,000 first division.
Ambassador Hanover took the lead but Ahundreddollarbill grabbed the lead before hitting the first quarter first in :27. Ahundreddollarbill used a :29.1 second quarter to hit the half in :56.1. Balenciaga made his move first-over from fourth as they went down the backstretch. Ahundreddollarbill led to three-quarters in 1:53.
Balenciaga and second-place finisher Ahundreddollarbill battled shoulder to shoulder all the way down the stretch. Balenciaga lunged late to get the win in 1:53. Ambassador Hanover finished third.
Balenciaga is a gelding by Chapter Seven. Paul Kelley trains for owners S R F Stable and Crawford Farms Racing. It is his career win. Wally Hennessey drove the $2.70 winner.
Dewey Arnold dominated the $55,000 second division.
Steel shot out to take the early lead but Dewey Arnold blasted by to lead to the quarter in :27.4. He used a :29.2 second quarter and led to the half in :57.1. He cruised to three-quarters in 1:25.2.
As they made the turn for home the pocket setter, Steel went on a break as Dewey Arnold expanded his lead. There was never an anxious moment as Dewey Arnold cruised to an easy win in 1:53.3. Credit Con finished second with Seven Nation Army getting third money.
Dewey Arnold is a gelding by Deweycheatemhowe. He is owned by Phillip Hale and trainer David Dewhurst. It was his 10th win this season. He now has 12 victories. Jason Bartlett drove the $2.10 winner.
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Sunday (Aug. 22), as they play host to two divisions of the NYSS for two-year-old pacing fillies. It is part of a 13-race card starting at 1:00 p.m. (EDT).
(Tioga Downs)