by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway

Saratoga, NY — Friday (June 2) night featured the first installment of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) of the year at Saratoga Casino Hotel. The 14-race card was comprised of solely lady pacers including four divisions of the $44,000 added Sire Stakes for sophomore fillies.

Melissa Simser-Iovino photo

Tequila Monday collects her second straight victory in NYSS action at Saratoga on Friday evening.

Tequila Monday (American Ideal-Margarita Monday-Ponder) began her title defense as the Chris Oakes trained filly, who was impressive in capturing the Lismore Pace last week at Yonkers Raceway in a career best 1:52.2. The filly was the 2-year-old Sire Stakes champion last year and earned just shy of $190,000 as a freshman.

Brian Sears piloted the sensational sophomore on Friday, who after moving out to the early lead never looked back before scoring in 1:52.4, the fastest time of the night for all the Sire Stakes races.

Roaring To Go (Brett Miller) who was the runner-up to Tequila Monday on the Night of Champions in 2016 and came up second best to her once again on Friday despite a strong showing of her own.

Daughters of Roll With Joe, Obvious Blue Chip (Scott Zeron) and Playing Favorites (Billy Dobson) each recorded stakes scores on Friday as did Artrageous (Art Major) who went wire-to-wire with Brett Miller in the sulky.

The next installment of the NYSS at Saratoga won’t take place until July 20 when 3-year-old trotting fillies are featured.

Live racing continues on Saturday night at the Spa with a 6:45 p.m. first post.