Nichols, NY – Tioga Downs welcomed two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for freshmen trotting colts & geldings. Both divisions raced for a purse of $53,100.
Ambassador Hanover (Ake Svanstedt) hangs on to capture the first division
Ambassador Hanover ($4) and Ake Svanstedt charged to the front to grab the lead off the gate, but Creemore (Verlin Yoder) came first-over to take a slight lead just before hitting the first quarter in :28.4. Creemore could not clear and Ambassador Hanover re-claimed the lead as they came by the stands for the first time. Sevenshadesofgrey (Corey Callahan) followed tight in the pocket as Ambassador Hanover led to the half in :58.2. Creemore, who was parked the whole way, once again put on the pressure and got to within a head as Ambassador Hanover hit three-quarters first in 1:29.2.
As they reached the stretch, Sevenshadesofgrey finally got an opening and popped out of the pocket. He came flying in deep stretch but Ambassador Hanover held on to win by a neck in a lifetime best of 1:59. Sevenshadesofgrey settled for second for the third time in three lifetime starts. Creditrina (Trond Smedshammer) was third.
Ambassador Hanover is a 2-year-old colt by Chapter Seven-Angel Eyes Hanover. Trainer Svanstedt co-owns with Order By Stable, Howard and Judith Taylor. He is now unbeaten in two career starts and has $44,625 in career earnings.
Dee’s Red Delicious (Corey Callahan) cruises to easy win in the second division
In the second NYSS for 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters, Incommunicado (Ake Svanstedt) led to the first quarter in :27.3. The gelding used a :29.4 second quarter to lead to the half in :57.2. Then Dee’s Red Delicious ($7.40) made his move coming first-up from third. Those two battled side-by-side as Dee’s Red Delicious stuck a head in front and led to three-quarters in 1:26.2.
As they hit mid-stretch, Dee’s Red Delicious found another gear and won going away by 4-1/4 lengths in a lifetime best of 1:55.4. Incommunicado held on for second and Special Prosecutor (Marcus Miller) came up to finish third.
Dee’s Red Delicious is a 2-year-old gelding by Credit Winner-Apple Plush. Owned by Joe Martinelli Sr. and trained by Bruce Saunders. He is now two-for-three in his career with $36,004 in lifetime earnings.
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Friday (July 31) starting at 4 p.m.
For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.