Fast Choice looks to extend winning streak in NYSS

Monticello, NY (July 26, 2024) – The fifth leg of the NYSS harness racing circuit will visit Monticello Raceway on Monday July 29, on tap are 2 heats of New York Sire Stakes worth $51,500 each and 4 dashes of the $20,000 per division of Excelsior Stakes. Total purses for the day will be in excess of $200,000. Both Sire Stakes races are 5 horse fields.

Fast Choice (PP5) has been installed the morning line favorite, the son of Courtly Choice is currently the top point leader in his category by virtue of his 2 consecutive Sire Stakes wins at Saratoga and Yonkers for trainer Jared Bako, Jordan Stratton will drive Fast Choice. 

The powerful Travis Alexander Stable will send fourth Silent Weapon (PP3 – Matt Kakaley) he was second last week to Fast Choice. Oogleville (PP 4) looks to shed his bridesmaid role, Per Engblom trains the son of Huntsville and Mark Macdonald will drive.

The first heat, race 2 is a short field of 5, Meltdown Monte (PP2 – Tyler Buter) finished 3rd in his last start in this company at Saratoga, he is trained by Scott DiDomenico. Red Blooded (PP3) is owned by the connections Boston Rocks, the son of Boston Red Rocks has finished 6th and 3rd in Sire Stakes competition.

In Excelsior action, the divisions point leader Southpaw (PP3) was a winner in his last outing at Saratoga in this class for owner trainer and driver Jim Whittemore in the cards first race. EZ Spree is a standout in his Excelsior dash, carded as race 7, the son of So Surreal, has a win and a second place finish in this class for trainer Paul Zabielski, he will benefit with Jim Devaux handling the driving chores.

From Monticello Raceway