by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Flipper J was a good 2-year-old pacer and in just his third start this year Jason Bartlett guided him to a 1:53.2 victory in their division of the $180,000 New York Sire Stakes at Monticello Raceway on Thursday (June 9). After that score, one can easily assume that the son of Art Major is in for an even better year in 2011.

With owner Kenny Jacobs joining in the winner’s circle ceremony, Bartlett could be overheard telling Jacobs, “this is a real nice horse” to which Jacobs replied, “I think you’re right Jason, he is a pretty good one, isn’t he?”

Geri Schwarz photo

Flipper J and Jason Bartlett scored in 1:53.2, which is currently a national season’s record.

Bartlett sped to the lead with Flipper J as the gate sprung and they were never in trouble even when Sammy Caruso maneuvered Bombay Away in behind the leader at the three-eighths. Just when the crowd thought Bombay Away was in perfect striking distance as the field headed up the backstretch, Bartlett let out a notch on Flipper J and the big gaited pacer cruised to an easy five length triumph and a national season’s record for a sophomore colt on a half-mile track.

However, Flipper J’s performance was not the only eye opener in the seven divisions of the 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings on display on Thursday. Roadside Delight was equally impressive when George Brennan guided the son of Bettor’s Delight to an easy six length triumph in a swift 1:53.3.

Never in doubt, Brennan sent his charge to the lead and they raced unchallenged throughout the mile. When they were midway around the final turn Brennan just lifted the lines and Roadside Delight took off and they opened up daylight in a heartbeat in what was the easiest of all NYSS triumphs that afternoon.

Naturally Brennan, who began his illustrious career at Monticello Raceway, was smiling slyly when he was asked how good is Roadside Delight.

“He’s good….real good,” Brennan said through his smile.

Trained by Nifty Norman for owner David McDuffee, Roadside Delight paid $2.10 and $2.10. Oddly, and mostly because of a game bridge-jumper, $26,611 was wagered on the winner to place.

Last year Sir Ziggy Z Tam was one of the best in the NYSS when the freshman colt earned $223,595. In his first Sire Stakes start at three, it seems that he has picked up right where he left off last season when Patrick Lachance guided the Art Major colt up the lightning lane to a 1:54.4, head win over Great Vintage and Daniel Dube.

Lachance was happy with his colt’s victory but he was second guessing himself as the photographer snapped the winner’s circle photograph.

“Maybe I should have gone right for the lead. I think I would have won it easier,” he pondered.

But Lachance’s partner, Bill Matz, who was in the picture chimed right in and added, “I’m glad we didn’t go any faster…it’s a long season.”

In another division Mojo Terror ran his winning streak to six when Matt Kakaley guided the Bulletproof Enterprises-owned altered son of Western Terror to a 1:54 triumph despite starting from the eight hole.

Cat Manzi returned home and reined Overnight Delight to a 1:55.4 victory over Reflection Of Blue (Jason Bartlett) in yet another NYSS division. Manzi used the front-end route to score the Dream Away colt’s third seasonal triumph.

Trainer Larry Rathbone had a Sire Stakes conquest when Chris Lems drove Samandar to a 1:55.4 victory in yet another NYSS split.

And Jordan Stratton scored one for the hometowners when he piloted American Rage to a 1:56 triumph for trainer Ed Hart in the seventh and final Sire Stakes pace.