by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway

Saratoga Springs, NY — The New York Sire Stakes were in town on Thursday night (Sept. 3) at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway as 2-year-old pacing colts were featured on the beautiful late summer night in the Spa City.

Dave Oxford photo

Jason Bartlett piloted He’s Gorgeous to a 1:55.1 score in their NYSS split.

Consistency was the word of the night as three of the four stakes winners clocked victories in 1:55.1. He’s Gorgeous (Art Major-So Ravishing) established himself as the 2-year-old to beat in New York well before Thursday but cemented himself in that role with a convincing win in his Saratoga debut. Jason Bartlett was up to drive for trainer Linda Toscano and had the freshman colt wrapped up in the stretch as they recorded the 1:55.1 win, highlighted by a final half of :56.1.

Jo Pa’s Fod (Art Major-Athena Blue Chip) teamed up for the second time with Jim Morrill, Jr. and together ran their record to two-for-two behind a front running with in 1:55.1.

Local favorite Flexjet (Village Jove-No Sweets Please) took the third stake race of the night as the lone upset winner for the stakes portion of the program. Dan Cappello, Jr. piloted the Chet Poole, Jr. trainee to his fifth win in eight starts this year and did so at odds of 10-1. Flexjet’s win also came in 1:55.1.

The final stake race for the evening was won by Gone Baby Gone. Morrill was up to drive the Pro Bono Best-Soft Sell gelding for the first time and they made good at 1-5, coming on for a 1:57 lifetime best win. It was the fourth win in the freshman campaign for Gone Baby Gone who is trained by Gary Messenger.

Live harness racing continues on Friday night at Saratoga with first post time set for 7:20 p.m.