Nichols, NY – Tioga Downs played host to two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 3-year-old trotting colts & geldings on Saturday (July 25).

Hobbs (Jason Bartlett) homers to win the $56,000 first division

Hobbs won the first of two divisions of the NYSS for 3-year-old colt trotters at Tioga Downs Saturday. Fred Brown Photo.

Hobbs ($3.60) jumped out of the gate and straight to the lead to lead to the first quarter in :27.3..  Take The Credit (Jim Morrill Jr.) moved into the lead as they went by the stands for the first time.  Hobbs would re-take control and led to the half in :56.3.  Barn Holden (Jeff Gregory) would then make a bid going first-over down the backstretch.  Hobbs continued to lead as they hit three-quarters in 1:24.4.

Hobbs dug in as they reached the stretch and held off the late charge by second-place finisher Ballcapsnbluejeans (Jim Meittinis) to win by a quarter-length in 1:54.4.  Barn Holden Held on for third.

Hobbs is a 3-year-old gelding by Credit Winner.  He is owned by Runthetable Stables and trained by Jim Campbell.  It was his third victory of the season and upped his career wins to four from 15 starts.

Chaptiama (Trond Smedshammer) captures the $55,000 second division

Sir Cromwell (Jason Bartlett) left fast but Berkery J (Wally Hennessey) was able to move past that one just before hitting the first quarter in :27.2.  He would use a :29 second quarter to hit the half in :56.2.  Going first over from third, Chaptiama ($5.40) would made his move to challenge Berkery J who narrowly held the lead to three-quarters in 1:25.1.

As they made the turn for home, Chaptiama turned on the jets and cruised to a win in a lifetime best of 1:53.3.  Bourbon Express (Tyler Buter) came up to get second and Berkery J had to settle for third money.

Chaptiama is a 3-year-old gelding by Chapter Seven.  He is owned by Purple Haze Stables and trained by Smedshammer.  It was his second win this season and his fourth career victory.

Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Sunday (July 26) featuring two divisions of the NYSS for 2-year-old colts & geldings.  Post time is 1 p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.