$101,000 NYSS held at Tioga Downs

Tioga Downs played host to three divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old harness racing pacing colts & geldings on Sunday (August 15).

Early Action (Jason Bartlett) won the $34,200 first division of the NYSS.

Gone Before Dawn (Marcus Miller) grabbed the early lead but KJ Hunter (Matt Kakaley) went to the front just before hitting the first quarter first in :27.2. Bluesvillie (Tyler Buter) then took over the front spot with one lap to go and led to the half in :56.4.

Gone Before Dawn then made a move down the backstretch and led to three-quarters in 1:23.3. As they reached the stretch Early Action ($2.50) came flying first-over and blew right on by to win easily in a lifetime best of 1:52.2. Gone Before Dawn held on for second. Greg The Leg (Mark MacDonald) used late pace to finish third.

Early Action is a colt by Huntsville-Fashion Katie. He is trained by Joe Holloway for owners Val D’Or Farms and Ted Gewertz. It was his second win in four lifetime starts.

EARLY ACTION REPLAY

Flip My Chip (Marcus Miller) pops the pocket to win the $33,000 second division.

Bounty Hunter (Brian Sears) went straight to the front but Flip My Chip ($7.70) grabbed the lead and led to the first quarter in :28.1. Forrest Blu (Tyler Buter) got the lead as they went by the stands for the first time. He led to the half in :57.0. Bounty Hunter made a move first over as they headed for the final turn but his wheels just sputtered as Forrest Blu led to three-quarters in 1:25.1.

As they made the turn for home Flip My Chip powered out of the pocket and battled second place finisher, Forrest Blu all the way down the stretch. Flip My Chip got by just before hitting the finish line in a lifetime best of 1:53.1. Seven Hundred (Wally Hennessey) finished third.

Flip My Chip is a gelding by Heston Blue Chip-Restive Hanover. Erv Miller trains for owners Sara Miller and the Ervin Miller Stable Inc. It was his third career victory.

FLIP MY CHIP REPLAY

Stretch The Line (Tyler Buter) captured the $34,200 third division.

JD (Mark MacDonald) led to the first quarter in :27.0. Pickup Man Hanover (Billy Dobson) took the lead with a circuit to go. He led to the half in :56.4. Stretch The Line ($4.60) took command as they headed down the backstretch and led to three-quarters in 1:23.4.

At the top of the stretch Pickup Man Hanover came back to challenge but Stretch The Line was too strong and won in 1:53.0.

Pickup Man Hanover had to settle for second with JD getting third money.

STRETCH THE LINE REPLAY

Stretch The Line is a gelding by Huntsville-Jessalilmixup. Erv Miller is the trainer he won two of the three divisions.

The gelding is owned by Rock&Roll Stable Inc. and Ervin Miller Stable Inc. He has five wins in seven career starts.

Tioga Downs returns to Live racing on Thursday (August 19) starting at 6:15 p.m. For more information click here.

For full race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Tioga Downs