by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Five $13,200 divisions of New York Sire Stakes Late Closers for sophomore pacing colts and geldings went to post on Thursday afternoon, July 22, at Monticello Raceway and when they were completed the betting favorite prevailed in every event.

Winners included OK Cognac, Drummerboy Hanover, It’sabouttime, Real Gentleman and Jerry’s Brown Gold with the latter turning in the fastest time of the five splits.

Geri Schwarz photo

Jerry’s Brown Gold and Jordan Stratton turned in the fastest time (1:56) of the five NYSS Late Closer splits.

Jerry’s Brown Gold, driven by Jordan Stratton, just toyed with his competition after Stratton put him on the front end and they cruised to an easy 1:56 victory over Mystery Island and driver Greg Merton. It was the fifth seasonal triumph for the Art Major colt who paid just $2.50 for win. He is owned by Freddie Monteleone and trained by Eddie Hart.

Trainer Erv Miller sent out both Drummerboy Hanover and Real Gentleman and each romped home victoriously for driver Jason Bartlett.

Drummerboy Hanover jogged to a seven length, wire-to-wire triumph over Steel Rein (Bill Bailey) in a 1:56.4 clocking while Real Gentleman, who also used the front-end route, cruised to a 1:57.2 victory over Colorful Dreams and driver Mike Merton. Drummerboy Hanover, an Art Major gelding, is owned by John Fielding and DeFino Pyonteck Stables and paid $2.50 for win and Real Gentleman, an Artiscape gelding, the property of Ron Michelon and the Ervin Miller Stable, returned a $2.70 win payoff.

Despite having to start from post seven in his division, OK Cognac, a Bettor’s Delight colt, rallied from four lengths back at the top of the stretch to score a two length, 1:58 victory for driver Billy Dobson. Owned by the Stake Your Claim Stable and trained by Linda Toscano, OK Cognac scored his fifth seasonal triumph and paid $3.20 for win.

A final NYSS Late Closer split went to the Greg Merton-driven It’sabouttime when the Pro Bono Best gelding sailed to a 1:58.2, two length victory over Soap Suds and driver Zeke Parker. It marked the first seasonal triumph for the colt, who is trained by Tracy Brainard for owner Ken Jacobs.