by Shawn Wiles, for Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — The third stop of the New York Sire Stakes series at Monticello Raceway will take place on Monday (July 24). On hand will be the cream of the crop for New York-bred 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings.

The Monday afternoon card of 13 races features four divisions of regular NYSS ($27,750), four Excelsior A races ($15,000) and one split of the Excelsior B class.

Sheppard elimination winner Persist Blue Chip will start from the two hole for trainer Ron Burke in NYSS action. The Roll With Joe–Real Reflection colt will be driven by Matt Kakaley in the first heat of Sire Stakes in the third race. The Monticello Raceway connection, Robert Lounsbury, will send Rolling Sea into the fray, and he comes into the race sporting a two-race win streak. Persist Blue Chip is owned by William Damberg and Margaret Olmstead.

Asiago Romano (post three) also figures to be a threat.

Topville Olympian (post two) will look to get on the winning trail in this company in the second division, race five. The American Ideal–Our Sophia freshman cut the mile last week at Buffalo and was just nosed out in 1:56. Matt Kakaley will be driving.

Delightful Joe is well versed on the half-mile oval and comes into the race in razor sharp form. He was second in his first NYSS event last week. He is trained by Monica Krist and will start from post five for driver Bill Dobson.

Paprike Blue Chip will start from post position three for trainer John Butenschoen and owners Harmony Oaks Racing Stable, Crawford Farms and VIP Internet Stable.

Rumble comes into the race undefeated in two starts, but post position eight may thwart his effort.

The third division, race six, showcases a field a speedy sidewinders. Casual Cool (post three) was victorious last week at Buffalo in 1:56. The $165,000 American Ideal–Sight To See colt is owned by Ken Jacobs and is trained by Linda Toscano. Jason Bartlett will drive.

Perry Simser is loaded for bear with Jersey Jim; he sports a speed badge of 1:56.3 taken in his prior start at Saratoga this year. The Artiscape–Jersey Pearl offspring will be driven by Monticello Raceway leading dash winner Jim DeVaux.

The final heat of Sire Stakes, race seven, features Sammy’s Lighting (post eight). The son of Roll With Joe earned his first Sire Stakes blanket last week at Buffalo thanks to his 1:58 win. Paul Jessop is the trainer and part owner along with Our Three Sons Stable LLC. Jim Morrill Jr. will be in the bike.

Mr Profeta and Real Rayenbow also figure strongly.

The lone Excelsior B contest will go behind the gate with only four starters.

Post time is 12:50 p.m.