by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Casino Hotel

Saratoga Springs, NY — Freshman pacing colts taking part in the New York Sire Stakes were featured on Tuesday night (Aug. 14) at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

There were two divisions of the $80,000-plus Sire Stakes for freshman colts and in the first division what looked like it would be a battle of the titans between the undefeated Melodies Major and the super-fast Major Blake never came to fruition.

The Sam Schillaci-trained Major Blake was a late scratch due to sickness which made Melodies Major (Art Major-Hilarious) a 1-9 favorite as the freshman looked to build on a beginning to his career that yielded four wins in four tries.

Melissa Simser-Iovino photo

Reigning Deo came from well off the pace to prevail in career-best fashion.

On Tuesday night, Tyler Buter once again piloted the Mark Ford trainee and moved the star pacer out to the early lead in his $81,750 division of the NYSS. Though Melodies Major had his way on the front end, the freshman came up empty and longshot Reigning Deo (Rock N Roll Heaven- Little Miss K) came from well off the pace to prevail in career-best fashion.

Jim Morrill Jr. piloted the freshman to the 1:54.2 victory for trainer Brett Pelling. Buddy Hill (Scott Zeron) was the runner-up for the second consecutive start while World On Edge (Matt Kakaley) earned the show spot. The heavily backed Melodies Major faded sharply late and ended up last. Reigning Deo returned $24.40 to win in recording his second victory in just three career starts.

The other division of the NYSS went the way of Bicorne Hanover (Art Major-Boldnbrash Hanover) who pulled off the mild upset as he and driver Matt Kakaley went wire-to-wire in 1:54.3. Bicorne Hanover is now a two-time winner in the New York Sire Stakes this season as the Ron Burke trainee took advantage of post position one to wire the field.

Returning $11.40 to win, Bicorne Hanover bested longshot runner-up KJ Leo (Scott Zeron) and co-favored Jack Nation (Jim Morrill Jr.) who earned the show spot. The 1:54.3 clocking served as a lifetime mark for the freshman pacer.

Live racing continues on Wednesday evening at Saratoga at 7:05 p.m.