Nichols, NY — Tioga Downs hosted two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old pacing colts & geldings on Saturday (Sept. 2).
Vandiemen Bluechip (Jason Bartlett) captured the $51,500 first division.
Darius (Mark MacDonald) went to the front and led to the quarter in :27. He slowed things down with a :30 quarter to be first to the half in :57. Avenger Force (Matt Kakaley) came flying first-up going down the backstretch and would challenge for the lead. Darius held a short lead at three-quarters in 1:24.4.
As they reached the stretch Darius shook off Avenger Force but that’s when Vandiemen Bluechip (Huntsville Peppermint-Patti) made his move and blew right on by to win in a lifetime best of 1:52.3. Darius had to settle for second. Avenger Force was third.
Vandiemen Blue Chip is owned by Samir Tawil, Paul Katz, Nathan Fullmer, and Alexander Henn while trained by Mark Capone. He now owns three career victories.
Huntingforchrome (Tyler Buter) takes the $51,500 second division setting a new track record for 2-year-geldings in 1:52.1.
Supplemental Fee (Mark MacDonald) was first to the quarter in :27.4. Boston Rocks (Jason Bartlett) took control with a lap to go and was first to the half in :57. He still had the lead at three-quarters in 1:25.1.
As they made to turn for home Huntingforchrome ($3.20) came first-over from fourth and was flying down the stretch to go right on by to set the new record. Boston Red Rocks had to settle for second. Howlenthehills (Matt Kakaley) finished third.
Huntingforchrome (Huntsville-All On Top Hanover) is owned by Robert DiNozzi and trained by Jennifer Bongiorno. It was his fourth win in six career starts.
Live racing returns on Sunday (September 3) with an 11-race card starting at 1 p.m.
For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.