by Dustin Ross, Regional Racing Operations Manager, Tioga Downs

Nichols, NY — Roadside Delight was looking for his third New York Sire Stakes victory in a row on Saturday night (Sept. 4) at Tioga Downs, but his toughest competition to date was lined up next to him.

Fred Brown photo

Roadside Delight was a 1:53.2 winner for Andrew McCarthy.

Trainer Richard “Nifty” Norman called on down under native Andrew McCarthy for the driving assignment, and the 24-year-old sent the 2-year-old Bettor’s Delight-Road Sign son to the front from post position five. The duo put up fractions of :26.4 and :57 before Flipper J (Jason Bartlett) put up first over pressure into 20 mph headwinds down the backstretch. The leader reached the three-quarter mark in 1:25.3.

McCarthy asked Roadside Delight for more and the colt responded, rebuffing Bartlett and keeping China King and Jimmy Marohn, Jr. at bay in the pocket through a final quarter of :27.4. The mile of 1:53.2 established a new lifetime mark for Roadside Delight and owner David McDuffee.

The other three divisions for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers were captured by American Romance (1:54-Jason Bartlett), Twin B Idol (1:55-Andrew McCarthy) and Thomas J (1:55.3-Jason Bartlett).

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Sunday, September 5, with a 1:30 p.m. post time featuring five divisions of New York Late Closers for 2-year-old colt trotters. For more information visit www.tiogadowns.com.