NYSS nears final battle

Monticello, N.Y. – On Monday, August 22, the final harness racing leg of the New York Sire Stakes will take place at Monticello Raceway. Four out of the five top point leaders in the division are in. Going to post are 11 two-year-old pacing colts. They were split into two divisions: a six-horse field racing for $52,500 and a five-horse contest worth $51,500.

The top point leader in the division is American Fling (American Ideal, PP6). He reeled off four straight wins in New York Sire Stakes competition and has banked $139,000 in seven starts for trainer Eddie Hart. He will be driven by Jason Bartlett. Brian Sears will drive Duval Street (Huntsville) starting from the rail; he has NYSS wins at Vernon Downs (1:53.1) and Yonkers (1:57.4). He is trained by Nifty Norman.

It’s A Me Mario (American Ideal, PP2) has been installed the morning line favorite in the second division. He is looking to shed his role as bridesmaid as he has finished second three times this season. He is owned by Steve L. Heimbecker and trained by Shane Tritton. Bandito Joe (American Ideal, PP4) scored a NYSS win at Yonkers in 1:54.2. The $43,000 yearling purchase is trained by Travis Alexander. Jordan Stratton will drive.

Also on the card are two splits of Excelsior As, racing for a purse of $15,000 per event, and one Excelsior B event for $6,500. In the B class, the local, Bak To Magic (Boston Red Rocks), will score from Post 5. Kenneth Heins of Monticello, N.Y. owns the colt, who is trained by Benny Eggers.

Post time is 12:10 p.m.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Kimberly Winston, for Monticello Raceway