Eight $50,000 NYSS Excelsior Finals at Saratoga

Saratoga Raceway hosted the 2022 NYSS Excelsior Series finals on Sunday afternoon for two and three-year-old state-bred harness racing trotters and pacers. All eight finals went for a purse of $50,000.

The third race first division for three-year-old trotting fillies saw Perfect Vixen (Muscles Yankee) and driver John Stark, Jr. lead from after the opening quarter mile and held the field at bay, winning by two and one-half lengths in 1:56. Telenovela (Jordan Stratton) was second with Je Suis Si Belle (Andy Miller) was third. Trained by Scott Mongeon, Perfect Vixen is co-owned by Edward Reich and Foxy Zette and paid $5.00 to win. It was her 11th win this season.

 

PERFECT VIXEN REPLAY

The fourth race division was for three-year-old trotting colts and going wire-to-wire in a romp by eight open lengths was Makadushin N Cheez (Conway Hall) with Jason Bartlett stopping the teletimer in 1:55.3. Grey Clouds (Dan Daley) was second with Valentine Express (Wally Hennessey) was third.

It was a lifetime mark, the second straight win and ninth victory on the year for Makadushin N Cheez. He is trained by David Dewhurst, who co-owns the gelding with Joseph M D’Agostino, Molly D’Agostino and Philip Kadushin. He paid $3.20 to win as the wagering favorite.

MAKADUSHIN N CHEEZ REPLAY

The fifth race division for three-year-old colt pacers saw Kingsville (Huntsville) and driver Jim Morrill, Jr. sit a perfect two-hole trip behind Bluesville (Tyler) Buter) and then pull away in the stretch to win by three and one-quarter lengths in 1:52.4. Foxhunt (Wally Hennessey) was second with Bluesville third.

Trained by Gareth Dowse, it was the third straight win and seventh triumph of the year for Kingsville who paid $3.60 to win. He is owned by the B & I Stables, LLC of NJ.

KINGSVILLE REPLAY

In the sixth race division for three-year-old pacing fillies, American Halo (American Ideal) and driver Mark MacDonald were able to lead from start to finish, just holding on at the wire to win by a head in 1:55. Nadina Hanover (Jason Bartlett) closed well to be second in the photo with Nitetime Deal (Jordan Stratton) was third.

Trained by Tony Alagna, American Halo paid $7.80 to win. It was her second win this year. She is owned by the Let It Ride Stables and Bottom Line Racing, LLC.

AMERICAN HALO REPLAY

In the 7th race division for two-year-old trotting fillies, Usosweet Blue Chip (Devious Man) and driver Marcus Miller were able to get second-over cover in the backstretch and then closed well to win by a head in 1:59.1. Laurens Hoopla (Tyler) Buter) was second in the photo with Dazzin Dolly (Jordan Stratton) third.

Trained by Erv Miller, it was the third straight win and fourth triumph of the year for Usosweet Blue Chip who paid $2.40 to win as the wagering favorite. She is owned by the Ervin Miller Stable, Inc. and Bowie Racing LLC.

USOSWEET BLUE CHIP REPLAY

In the 8th race division for two-year-old trotting colts, it was Maximum Express (Credit Winner) and driver Wally Hennesey who came first-over in the backstretch and then clear by the top of the stretch and go on to win by one length in 1:58.2. Southwind Bud (Jason Barlett) was second with You Got It (Tyler Buter) third.

Trained by Josh Kinney, it was a lifetime mark and the fifth straight win for Maximum Express and his sixth win of the season. He is co-owned by James De Armond and Josh Kinney and paid $4.20 to win.

MAXIMUM EXPRESS REPLAY

The 9th race division for two-year-old pacing fillies saw an upset as 14-1 Turn On The Charm (Huntsville) and driver Wally Hennessey come from fourth place at the top of the stretch and close to win by just a head in 1:54.2. Rec Tim (Jason Barlett) finish second in the photo with race favorite At The Hop (Luke Hanners) third.

Trained by Bruce Clark, it was a lifetime mark for Turn On The Charm, her second straight win and third victory of the season. She is owned and was bred by Megan Beauchamp and John Coffey and paid $30.00 to win.

TURN ON THE CHARM REPLAY

The final division was the 10th race for two-year-old colt pacers and To The Hunt (Huntsville) and driver Mark MacDonald were able to wire the field by a half a length in 1:54.3. The pocket-sitting Boston Bound (Marcus Miller) was second with Heisonthehunt (Jordan Stratton) was third.

Trained by Ray Schnittker, it was the fourth win this season for To The Hunt. He is a homebred owned and bred by Ray Schnittker, David Pepin and Flintlock Farm, Inc. and paid $7.40 to win

TO THE HUNT REPLAY

For complete race results, click here.

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink