Fillies battle it out in NYSS at Monticello

Monticello, N.Y. – The New York Sires Stakes season is entering the homestretch and Monday afternoon (Aug. 15) at Monticello Raceway was the sixth leg of the eight-leg series for three-year-old trotting fillies. The afternoon featured two legs of NYSS action, with each race vying for a purse of $57,000.

In A Tiny Way (Conway Hall), starting from post 3 with Jordan Stratton in the bike, was first on the lead and reeled off splits of :29.3, 1:00 and 1:28.4 before starting down the stretch. She was then met by Gertrude and driver Tyler MIller, who came charging after the leader in the stretch, but was too late.

In A Tiny Way went on to win by one and one-quarter lengths over Gertrude in 1:57.3 for her fourth win of the season. Perfect Vixen (John Stark, Jr) was third.

Trained by Mike Simons, In A Tiny Way is owned by Ellen McNeil of Vernon Center, N.Y.

The second division was also a five-horse contest. Cash Infusion, the heavy favorite, made an uncharacteristic break before the start. 

Driver Mark Macdonald, aboard Bomb Hugger, cut the mile with early fractions of :29.2 and :59.4.  Approaching the half, Cash Infusion caught the pack.

Going down the backside, Valentina Blu (Chapter Seven) and Joe Bongiorno made a wicked brush from the back of the pack, followed by Cash Infusion as they tripped the timer in 1:30.1.

Valentina Blu was half a length outside of the leader, Bomb Hugger, turning for home and midway down the lane, she kicked into overdrive to overtake the leader to score in 1:58 by a length and half, trotting her last quarter in 28.1.

It was the second win of the year for Valentina Blu, owned by Crawford Farms. The win pushed her career earnings over the $425,000 mark for trainer Tony Alagna. Seven On The Rocks finished third.

Deli Tessel (Conway Hall, Jim Taggart Jr.) scored in Excelsior A action for trainer Marissa Chadbourne in 2:00.0. The filly is owned by Lon Todd Frocione. It was her fourth win on the season. Telenova (Devious Man) scored in an upset in 2:00.2 – $35.80 with Jordan Stratton for trainer Claude Huckabone. Drivers Jordan Stratton and Joe Bongiorno both scored driving doubles on the card.

Next week is the final NYSS event at Monticello Raceway with two-year-old colt pacers. The Night of Champions finals is slated for Sunday, September 11.

For complete race results, click here.

by Kimberly Winston, for Monticello Raceway