Heston Blue Chip impressive in NYSS victory at Tioga
July 31, 2011,by Dustin Ross, Regional Racing Operations Manager, Tioga Downs
Nichols, NY — Tioga Downs hosted five divisions of New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers on Sunday afternoon (July 31).
Two of the most impressive colts up until this point drew in against one another in the fifth and final division with Lawgiver Hanover (George Brennan) drawing the rail, and Heston Blue Chip (Tim Tetrick) post position six.
In the showdown everyone was waiting for, both colts took off the gate as the field battled for position through an opening panel in :27. Tetrick and Heston Blue Chip were sitting in fourth past the quarter and made the quarter-pole move to the front past the half in :56.4. Brennan quickly moved Lawgiver Hanover to the outside with a first-over brush and cleared Heston Blue Chip down the backside and led through three-quarters in 1:24.1.
However, that was not the last they would see of Heston Blue Chip as Tetrick wheeled back out around the final turn and quickly paced right by Lawgiver Hanover and stamped himself the leader in the NYSS circuit by winning in 1:53.4. Lawgiver Hanover was an easy second, while Sir Melo’s Z Tam (Patrick Lachance) paced home late for third.
The win improved Heston Blue Chip’s young career record to a perfect four-for-four and increased his seasonal earnings to more than $54,000. Linda Toscano trains the son of American Ideal–Shot Togo Bluechip for Ken Jacobs.
“He (Heston Blue Chip) is a very nice and talented colt and he raced super today,” said driver Tim Tetrick following the victory. “I qualified George’s colt (Lawgiver Hanover) and he is super talented, too, so I knew it was going to be a tough division today. He is so big and strong and just does everything you ask him to and does it right.”
Other NYSS division winners included Forever Just–Tim Tetrick–1:53.4 (Bettor’s Delight–Forever Cam); My Boogie Shoes–Andy Miller–1:54.3 (Artiscape–Boogie Woogie Flu); Dynamic Youth–George Brennan–1:53.4 (Bettor’s Delight–Always True); and Glass Prince–Tim Tetrick–1:56 (Artiscape–China Princess).
Tioga Downs continues live racing on Monday (August 1) at 6 p.m., featuring four races of the World Driving Championship. For more information visit www.tiogadowns.com.