Nichols, NY — Tioga Downs hosted three divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Sunday (June 16).
Hickfromfrenchlick (Mark MacDonald) won the $38,900 first division. The $3.60 favorite led to a first quarter in :27.2. Magic Joe Lindy (Wally Hennessey) took over as they went by the stands for the first time, leading to the half in :55. Hickfromfrenchlick, who is owned by trainer Ray Schnittker with Nolamaura Racing and Thomas Spatorico, made his move before hitting three-quarters in 1:23.1.
As they reached the stretch eventual second place finisher Respect Our Flag (Tyler Buter) and third place finisher Major Blake (Jason Bartlett) gave chase but Hickfromfrenchlick was too strong and won in 1:51.3 over a sloppy track. It equaled his career best time.
Hickfromfrenchlick is by So Surreal out of My Girl’s A Star. It was his third win this season; he now has seven career victories and $199,391 in earnings.
Buddy Hill (Jason Bartlett) was an easy winner in the $38,200 second division. Live Lucky (Wally Hennessey) led the group to a first quarter of :26.3. Buddy Hill would then take over, leading to the half in :54.4 and three-quarters in 1:22.3. Buddy Hill, who is owned by Tom Hill and trained by Marcus Melander, was in total control as they reached the stretch.
Artie’s Ideal (Marcus Miller) came charging late but settled for second as Buddy Hill won in a lifetime best of 1:52. Live Lucky finished third.
Buddy Hill is by Roll With Joe out of Lessofit Hanover. It was his first win as a sophomore. He now has two career victories and a bankroll of $112,431.
Major March (Jason Bartlett) captured the $38,900 third division. The $15.40 winner led to the first quarter in :27. The 2-5 favorite American Mercury (Tyler Buter) took over with one lap to go. He led to the half in :54.3 and three-quarters in 1:23.
Major March, who is owned by Bay Pond Racing Stable and trained by Linda Toscano, followed in the pocket. As they reached the stretch he would fly out of the pocket and go right on by to win in 1:52.3. Rollwithpapajoe (Wally Hennessey) came up to finish second with American Mercury holding on for third.
Major March is by Art Major out of Mach You And Me. It was his third trip to the winner’s circle this season. He now has four career wins and $106,409 in purses.
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Friday (June 21) with a 10-race card starting at 6:15 p.m. For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.