by Shawn F. Wiles, for Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — On Monday (Aug. 3), New York Sires Stakes 3-year-old filly trotters take the stage at Monticello Raceway. A total of eight divisions — two NYSS, three Excelsior A and three Excelsior B — race for purses in excess of $185,000.

Two divisions of the NYSS will each be racing for a purse of $61,300. They are carded as races four and six.

In the first heat, Jewels In Hock (post one), with Jim Morrill Jr. driving for the first time, figures to be a force to be reckoned with. The Credit Winner filly is trained by Linda Toscano for longtime New York racing patron Ken Jacobs.

Barn Girl (post seven) is trained by Howard Okusko and will be driven by Jeff Gregory.

Race six feature the other “Barn” — Barn Doll — the reigning Queen of the division. Her resume includes a seven race win streak, 2015 earnings of $229,000, with a lifetime mark of 1:52.1 taken earlier this year at Vernon Downs. Trainer Steven Pratt co-owns the Conway Hall filly with Purple Haze Stables LLC. Unless she makes a miscue, it appears that all the others will be bridesmaids.

The Excelsior A races are carded as races one, five and 11, with each division racing for a purse of $15,000.

In the first race, High Rise is the morning line favorite and will start from post five. The Conway Hall filly is trained by George Ducharme for owner Raymond Campbell and regular driver Chris Lems. The filly has six wins in her last 11 starts.

In the second division, Cherry Crown Jewel and Miss B’ville J will square off. The last race of the day pits Wanna Get Lucky and Meshugana Miss.

The Excelsior B races are carded as races two, eight and nine, each race for a purse of $6,600. A total of 19 horses are competing in the three heats. The divisions are highlighted by Kaliska, It’s A Lucky Deal and Saint Misbehavin.