Thunder Hunter Joe, Huntinthelastdolar capture NYSS at Tioga

Tioga Downs welcomed two harness racing divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 3-year-old pacing colts & geldings on Sunday (Aug. 20).

Thunder Hunter Joe (Tyler Buter, Huntsville) charges late to capture the $57,000 first division.

American Fling (Mark MacDonald) took the early lead but Hurrikane Hunter got by and took over the lead before hitting the quarter first in :27.1. Metal Man (Matt Kakaley) took control with a lap to go and was first to the half in :54.1. Blue Hunt (Wally Hennessey) came first-up to challenge for the lead as they went down the backstretch. Metal Man was first to three-quarters in 1:22.1.

As they made the turn for home Thunder Hunter Joe ($3.10) came flying down the lane and went right on to win in 1:51.2. Livonjaxandqueens (Michael Merton) came up to finish second.  Metal Man had to settle for third.

THUNDER HUNTER JOE REPLAY

Thunder Hunter Joe is a 3-year-old gelding. Nicholas Devita trains for owners David Hamm, Glenn Phillips, Christopher Giaccio, and Devita Racing stable. He now has five career victories all this season.

Huntinthelastdolar (Wally Hennessey, Huntsville) wins the $57,000 second division.

Huntinthelastdolar ($11.20) was first to the quarter in :26.4. He slowed things down and used a :29.0 quarter to be first to the half in :55.4. Peppermint Man (Matt Kakaley) went on the chase going down the backstretch. Huntinthelastdolar shook him off and led to three-quarters in 1:23.4.

As they reached the stretch Goldin Greatness (Jason Bartlett) popped the pocket and came all out after the leader. Huntinthelastdolar found another gear and won easily in 1:50.2. Goldin Greatness was second. Tickertape Hanover finished third.

HUNTINTHELASTDOLAR REPLAY

Huntinthelastdolar is a 3-year-old gelding. He is owned by George Kerr, Bradley Grant, and trainer Gregg McNair.  It was his fourth win this season. He now has six career victories.

Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Friday (August 25) starting at 6:15 p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.

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

by John Horne, for Tioga Downs