In what can be considered a tune-up for the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) finals to be run at Tioga Downs next Saturday, Joviality S captured the $121,900 NYSS leg for three-year-old trotting fillies on Saturday (Sept. 3).
Pure Countess (Wally Hennessey) was first to the quarter in :27. Cash Infusion (Tyler Buter) went on by to take over with a lap to go and was first to the half in :56. Valentina Blu (Joe Bongiorno) came first-up down the backstretch as Joviality S (Brian Sears) followed second-over. Valentina Blu was first to three-quarters in 1:23.3.
Joviality S made her move as they made the turn for home. Valentina Blu dug in and gave everything she had, but Joviality S surged by in deep stretch to win in 1:51.3. Valentina Blue had to settle for second money. She’s A Scorcher (Jim Taggart Jr.) finished third.
Joviality S paid $2.30 to win. She is a three-year-old filly by Chapter Seven. Marcus Melander trains Joviality S for owner Courant Inc. She now has eight wins this season and 17 career victories in just 22 career starts.
Live racing returns at Tioga Downs with a special nine-race Labor Day Matinee (Sept. 5) starting at 1 p.m.
(Tioga Downs)