by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Gaming and Raceway

Saratoga Springs, NY — The 3-year-old pacing colts were featured on Thursday, July 15, at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway as part of the New York Sire Stakes Late Closers. There were five divisions of the Late Closers on the warm evening as the sophomores battled it out for their share of the $13,200-plus purses.

Dave Oxford photo

Artistic Memory was the fastest winner in the NYSS Late Closers, scoring in a time of 1:55.1.

The fastest of the stakes winners on the night was invader Artistic Memory, who teamed up with the Spa’s leading driver Frank Coppola, Jr. to wear down the race’s favorite and score a first over victory in 1:55.1.

Favorites OK Cognac (Billy Dobson), Erichs Best (Fern Paquet, Jr.) and Breezefromthewest (Greg Merton) all made good while longshot Colorful Dreams (Chris Long) paid the biggest price of the night ($29.20) amongst the young pacers in the Sire Stakes.

New York Sire Stakes action will return to Saratoga on Friday, July 23, when the 3-year-old filly trotters take center stage to battle for the highest purses of the season to date.

Live racing continues on Friday night, July 16, at Saratoga with a first post set for 7:05 p.m.