by Shawn Wiles, for Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — On Monday (Aug. 28), Monticello Raceway will host the glamour division of the New York Sire Stakes when 3-year-old pacing colts come to town. Six of the 10 leading point earners in the state will participate on the program.

The entry box contained 17 entries for the regular Sire Stakes, which equated into three divisions, each worth $39,200. The Excelsior A class has two divisions, each worth $15,000, and the Excelsior B will go with one split, worth $6,500.

Race two on the card is the first heat of Sire Stakes action with six entries. The leading NYSS divisional point leader, In A Single Bound, will start from post position four with regular driver Billy Dobson for trainer Monica Krist. The talented son of Roll With Joe has four wins and a second in Sire Stakes competition thus far this year with earnings of $136,994 and a mark of 1:50.2 taken at Vernon Downs.

Cultural Paradise has yet to wear the blue Sire Stakes blanket this year, but he has finished second twice and placed third once. David Miller will drive the son of American Ideal-Silk Canvas for trainer Larry Remmen.

Monticello Raceway 2-year-old pacing colt track record holder Barry Hanover will start from post three, with Monticello icon Bruce Aldrich Jr. holding the leather.

Benji’s Best has been pegged the morning line favorite at 5-2 from the rail in the second division. The Scott Blackler trained son of Roll With Joe was a winner in his last start at Tioga Downs in the Empire Breeders Classic consolation in 1:50. David Miller will handle the driving chores.

Uffizi (post five) has a win under his belt in this class, by virtue of his Sire Stakes win at Saratoga three starts back in 1:51.4. Scott Zeron will be in the bike. Uffizi is trained by Chris Ryder and the American Ideal colt is owned by Robert Mondillo and Craig Henderson.

After crushing his foes in the Excelsior races, A Geez Joe is moving up in class, making his second Sire Stakes start. He finished second behind Benji’s Best in the Empire Breeders Classic, pacing his mile in 1:50.2.

The final heat showcases Heaven’s Gait, who has been on a hot streak, winning seven of his last eight races. The wins include three NYSS, an elimination and final of the Empire Breeders Classic, and the Hempt consolation. He is the fastest and richest contestant of the day with 2017 earnings of $255,997 and a record of 1:49. Hall of Famer David Miller will be in the sulky for trainer Nicholas Devita. Heaven’s Gait is sired by Rock N Roll Heaven, out of the young mare Booya Beach.

Chip Walther will start from the rail for trainer Erv Miller.

Race eight features the first race for the Excelsior A class, and the consistent Sir Pugsley (post two) has been installed the morning line favorite at 5-2. Jim Morrill Jr. will drive the son of American Ideal–Q And A for trainer Donna Marshall. Joe Joe Joe looks to extend his win streak to three after romping in overnight company at Tioga Downs.