by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — New York-bred sophomore pacing colts strutted their stuff at Monticello Raceway on Wednesday afternoon, July 11, in six divisions in the $342,000 New York Sires Stakes. Though all the winners were clocked in 1:56 or better, arguably the most impressive were Forensic Z Tam and Pop Z Pop.

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Forensic Z Tam’s bankroll topped $300,000 this season with his 1:54.2 NYSS victory on Wednesday.

Sent off at odds of 1-9 in his $55,412 division, Forenzic Z Tam found himself parked to the quarter in a stiff :27.2, but it didn’t make any dent in the pacer’s ability. Once on top driver Patrick Lachance went right on down the road. The son of Bettor’s Delight passed the half in :55.4 and then Lachance got a :30-second third panel breather for his colt and they rolled by the three-quarters in 1:25.4.

Up the backstretch the final time, Howie Okusko, Jr. took a shot at the leader with Vicar Hall, but by the top of the lane that challenge was rebuffed and Forensic Z Tam went on to an easy 1-1/2 length victory in a final time of 1:54.2. Lucky Bettor, with Jimmy Morrill, Jr. driving, rallied in the lane to finish second and Whistling Hanover was third for George Brennan.

Members of Z Tam Racing LLC were on hand and were obviously joyous as their outstanding pacer pushed his seasonal earnings to over $300,000.

Though he was overlooked by the betting crowd in his $55,412 division, Pop Z Pop appeared to return to the form that made him one of the top freshman colts in the NYSS last year.

With Stephane Bouchard at the controls, Pop Z Pop — a 10-1 shot — sat cool in third position until the field straightened out and headed for the three-quarters. At that point Bouchard angled his pacer to the outside and Pop Z Pop passed horses like a freight train passes a hobo.

At the three-quarter panel the son of Riverboat King was on the lead and then opened up four lengths on the field. From there the colt cruised to an easy three length triumph in a 1:54.1 clocking. Big Al’s Delight (Jimmy Morrill, Jr.), sent off at odds of 1-5, finished second and Kollateral Damage was third for Joshua Marks.

According to his connections, Pop Z Pop had been sick earlier this season and is now coming into his own. Owned by Kidz LLC, Pop Z Pop is being aimed for the Mighty M’s $500,000 Gold Rush on July 30.

The afternoon began with a come from behind 1:56 sires stake victory by Capital Advisor. Jay Randall handled the driver’s chores for owners Tom Finbelli and Dawn Randall as the son of Riverboat King turned back Maiden Face (Billy Parker, Jr.) and Forte Blue Chip (John Cummings, Jr.).

Alilability and George Brennan surprised betting favorite Wealth Manager and driver Howie Okusko, Jr. when they came from fourth at the top of the stretch to score a two length victory over the favorite in a time of 1:55. Val America was third for Stephane Bouchard in that contest.

Andy Miller and Quandry Hanover scored a 1:55.4 victory in their $55,412 division for jubilant owners Mike Bucaria and Howard and Arthur Berke. They turned back Blue Sky De Vie (Stephane Bouchard) and Brave Call (Jimmy Devaux).

The final NYSS split went to Tick Tock and local teamster Jimmy Devaux with a come from behind 1:55.2 triumph over Mimi’s Bono Best (Howie Okusko, Jr.) and Ben Bono (Jimmy Morrill, Jr.).