Monticello, NY – The Glamour division did not disappoint, Fragment roared to an uncontested seven-length wire-to-wire win in 1:52.2, just missing the track record for 3-year-old colts in the lone heat of New York Sire Stakes for $119,700 on Monday (Aug. 3). Cooperstown Boy (C. Kelly) was second and Hunting Glory (J. Taggart Jr.) was third. It was the fastest mile of the year at Monticello Raceway.
Mighty Matt (B. Boyd –PP3) was having issues finding his gait warming up and never made the gate. Hunting Glory briefly had the lead until Fragment took over past the opening quarter in :28, from that point Fragment extended his lead at every station. At the half in :56.1 he had two lengths on the pack and extended the margin down the backside reaching the next panel in 1:27 on top by four lengths. Down the stretch he roared home a seven-length winner. The offspring of Huntsville – The Show Returns has now added two New York Site Stakes to his impressive resume with seasonal earnings of $293,500 for trainer Per Engblom, the freshman is owned by Engblom Farm LLC, Doug Sipple and Peaceful Acre Farm.
Casper The Ghost (B. Holland) scored in the first heat of the $20,000 Excelsior Series with a wire-to-wire win in 1:55 -$5.38. The son of Huntsville – Ghosttobepost is trained by co-owner Ray Schnittker, it was his second Excelsior win of the year. During the race American Pastime (M. Merton) choked down approaching the half and went off the course where he fell past the wire, horse and driver were both OK.
The 1-5 favorite Aries Blue Chip (J. Bartlett) extended his win streak to four straight, and his second Excelsior Stakes win under his belt after his 12-length romp in 1:52.4 -$2.24. The son of American Ideal – Fox Valley Shaker is trained by Deborah Daguet.
The New York Sire Stakes will return to Monticello Raceway on Monday (Aug. 10) when 2-Year-Old Pacing Fillies come to town, Post time is 12:10.