Fast Choice, Dandy Ideal take NYSS heats

Monticello, NY (July 22, 2025) – The glamour division of the New York Sire Stakes did not disappoint yesterday afternoon at Monticello Raceway with over $195,000 in purses up for grabs. Three of the year’s fastest miles were paced yesterday afternoon, Jason Bartett won both Sire Stake events and trainer Travis Alexander recorded a training double.

The first heat saw the 1/5 favorite Fast Choice starting from post position three in a five-horse contest. Holt Hanover (M. Macdonald) got the lead past the opening quarter of 27.1. Jason Bartlett aboard Fast Choice quickly retook the lead and would stay on top throughout the mile, reeling off splits of 56.1 1:24.1 with Holt Hanover right behind him. Fast Choice powered his way to the win with a LQ of 28.4 to seal the deal in 1:53, Holt Hanover hung on for second with Thirsty Thursday (T. Buter) finishing third. Fast Choice (Courtly Choice – Fashion Guru) is trained by Jared Bako and owned by Ashely Bako, he notched his first win as a three-year-old.

FAST CHOICE REPLAY

Jason Bartlett used the same tactic at the first Sire Stake event after getting the lead past the first quarter.

He never relinquished the lead while driving the heavy favorite Dandy Ideal, winning handily with a five-length margin in 1:52.2.

The fastest mile this season at Monticello Raceway. Dandy Ideal (American Ideal – OK Heavenly) notched his second seasonal win for trainer Hunter Oaks. Red Blooded (T. Buter) was second with Full Metal jacket getting up for the show position.

DANDY IDEAL REPLAY

In addition to Sire Stakes action there were also four $20,000 Excelsior races. The 15-1 Mr Huggins (T Buter) Courtly Choice – Taylorlane Diva scored in 1:54 – $30.80 for trainer Larry Stalbaum in his second seasonal Excelsior event. Ima Perfect Choice (M. Kakaley – Courtly Choice – Ideal Paper) trained by Travis Alexander, looks ready to battle the Sire Stake bunch after yesterday’s performance when he scored a three-length victory in 1:52.3 $2.60. Silky Choice (Courtly Choice – Silk Pajamas) won in a four-length romp in 1:53.2 – $8.80 for the duo of Travis Alexander and Matt Kakley. The final Excelsior dash saw Pat Lachance enter the winners circle with Xpert (American Ideal – Sir Jillan Z) in 1:55.3 – $3.70 for his second Excelsior win of the year.

Matt Kakaley and Jason Bartlett notched Sire Stake doubles, Bruce and Laura Aldrich each had a double.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

From Monticello Raceway