Freshman colt pacers in NYSS action at Tioga
September 4, 2010,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.
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.