On Monday, August 28, Monticello Raceway will host the glamour division of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) when three-year-old pacing colts come to town. Six of the 10 leading point earners in the state will participate on the program.
The entry box contained 17 entries for the Sire Stakes, which were split into three $39,200 divisions. The Excelsior “A” class has two divisions, each worth $15,000, and the Excelsior “B” class will go with a single $6,500 event.
Race two on the card is the first heat of Sire Stakes action, with a field of six going to post. In A Single Bound, the divisional point leader, will start from post position four, with regular driver Billy Dobson for trainer Monica Krist. The talented son of Roll With Joe has four wins and a second in Sire Stakes competition thus far this year with earnings of $136,994 and a lifetime mark of 1:50.2 taken at Vernon Downs. Cultural Paradise has yet to wear the blue Sire Stakes blanket this year, but has finished second twice and third once in the class. David Miller will drive the son of American Ideal and Silk Canvas for trainer Larry Remmen. Monticello Raceway two-year-old pacing colt track record holder Barry Hanover will start from post three, with Monticello icon Bruce Aldrich, Jr. holding the leather.
Benjis Best has been pegged the morning-line favourite at 5-2 from the rail in the second division. The Scott Blackler-trained son of Roll With Joe was a winner last start at Tioga Downs in the Empire Breeders Classic consolation in 1:50. David Miller will handle the driving chores. Uffizi (post five) has a win under his belt in this class by virtue of his 1:51.4 Sire Stakes win at Saratoga three starts back in 1:51.4. Scott Zeron will drive the American Ideal colt for trainer Chris Ryder and owners Robert Mondillo and Craig Henderson. After crushing his foes in the Excelsior events, A Geez Joe is moving up in class, making his second Sire Stakes effort. He finished second behind Benjis Best in the Empire Breeders Classic, pacing his mile in 1:50.2.
The final heat showcases Heavens Gait, who has been on a hot streak and winning seven of his last eight races. The wins include three NYSS races, his elimination and the final of the Empire Breeders Classic, and the Max Hempt consolation at Pocono. He is the fastest and richest contestant of the day, with 2017 earnings of $255,997 and a record of 1:49. Hall of Famer David Miller will be in the sulky for trainer Nicholas DeVita. Heavens Gait is sired by Rock N Roll Heaven and is out of the young mare Booya Beach. Chip Walther will start from the rail for trainer Erv Miller.
Race eight features the first division of the Excelsior “A” class. The consistent Sir Pugsley (post two) has been installed the morning-line favourite at 5-2. Jim Morrill Jr. will drive the son of American Ideal and Q And A for trainer Donna Marshall. Joe Joe Joe looks to extend his win streak to three after romping in overnight company at Tioga Downs.
(Monticello Raceway)