Trotters soar in $119,500 New York Sire Stakes

There were two divisions, total purses of $119,500, of the New York Sire Stakes for three-year-old harness racing trotting fillies Monday (Aug. 7) afternoon at Monticello Raceway and the favorites had no problems winning both divisions.

Due to earlier rains, the track was labeled good with a one second allowance.

The first division was the $60,300 7th race where On The House and driver Sarah Svanstedt shot to the early lead from post seven while 2/5 race favorite Gigi Hanover (Chapter Seven) got into the pocket-seat, but not for long.
Once settled in second place, driver Mark MacDonald took Gigi Hanover first-over and they were able to clear to the lead by the first quarter in :30.1. With On The House in second, Gigi Hanover went on to lead at the half mile in :59.4.

Then coming first-up was Canterbury Hanover (Jeff Gregory) and they made a go of it against Gigi Hanover, pressing them to the three-quarters in 1:29. Still trying on the outside around the final turn, Canterbury Hanover could not collar Gigi Hanover.

Down the stretch Gigi Hanover was the strong horse, winning by two and one-quarter lengths in 1:57.3. Canterbury Hanover was second with On The House third.

GIGI HANOVER REPLAY

It was the second win of the season for Gigi Hanover. She is trained by Ake Svanstedt of Melby Gard, Inc. of Delray Beach, FL. She paid $2.90 to win.

The second NYSS division was the $59,200 8th race that saw the exact same pattern as the 7th race. Jean’s Action and driver Jim Devaux went right to the early lead with the 1/9 race favorite, Royal Filly (Chapter Seven) and driver Tyler Buter, getting away in second place around the first turn. Then Buter came right out with Royal Filly and they took the lead at the opening quarter in :29.2.

From there Royal Filly would not be caught as she led the field past the half mile in :59, held the field at bay as she started to open up her lead at the three-quarters in 1:28.2 and then poured it on in the stretch to win in a romp by ten lengths in 1:57. Destiny’s Darling (Jordan Stratton), who broke at the start of the race, rebounded to be second with Midwind Success (Marcus Miller) third.

ROYAL FILLY REPLAY

It was the second straight win for Royal Filly and fourth victory of the season. She is trained by Tony Alagna for Crawford Farms Racing of Syracuse, NY and paid $2.30 to win.

For full race results, click here: US Trotting Results

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink