by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — The long and winding road of the rich New York Sires Stakes late closer program will come to an end on September 29, but before the curtain falls Monticello Raceway will entertain sophomore pacing colts on Thursday, September 20.

Three solid divisions are on tap and will go as races five, six and eight on the 12-race card that afternoon.

Coming in off three consecutive victories, the last a 1:57 clocking, Michael Polansky’s Low Tide is the early line favorite in the first $9,700 split. Local teamster Bruce Aldrich, Jr. will be at the controls when the son of Sealed N Delivered starts from post position four.

Winbak Farms’ Brave Call, with a 1:57.1 seasonal mark, is expected to supply the major competition. Stephane Bouchard will drive when the son of Riverboat King starts from the five hole.

Bouchard will also handle the favorite Vicar Hall in the second $9,800 division. The son of Pro Bono Best has strung together three consecutive victories — the last an eye-opening 1:53.3 clocking at Saratoga Raceway. Vicar Hall has already bankrolled over $73,000 for owners the Purple Haze Stable.

Vicar Hall’s main competition figures to come from Pro Mattic, who’ll start from the coveted rail position. Brian Allen will be in the sulky behind the Pro Bono Best gelding who won his last start in 1:55.2, also at Saratoga Raceway.

A few local colts — Richard Aiken’s Happyending, with a 1:58.1 record, and Sherry Skramstad’s Cajun Sorcerer, a 1:59.4 winner this year — will lock horns in the final $9,800 split.

But they may be hard pressed to reel in favored Rocket Bob. Greg Merton will do the driving behind Stan and Linda Ann Noga’s altered son of Space Shuttle, who finished second to Pro Mattic at Saratoga in his last start after previously winning two in a row, the fastest a 1:56.1 effort here at the Mighty M on September 4.

First post on the Thursday, September 20, card will be at 1:10 p.m. and racing will continue on the usual four-day-a-week schedule through December 31.