by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — New York-bred trotters will be in the spotlight at Monticello Raceway on Tuesday afternoon, July 21, when three $12,600 divisions of NYSS late closer trots for sophomore colts and geldings go to post in races one, four and five.

Though he is yet to earn a record, Giant T, a Giant Hit-Rotonga colt, appears to be on his way to his maiden triumph. Zeke Parker will handle the Harold Purdy-trainee from post position two in the first division.

Giant T, owned by Antonio Diglio, Franco Restelli and Anthony Libardi finished second, beaten a length in 2:00.4 in a $54,116 New York Sire Stakes trot at Yonkers Raceway on June 26 after cutting the mile.

Stephane Bouchard will handle the favorite, W D La Page Stable’s DW’s Don, in the second split. The Dilbert Hanover-Ideal Hanover colt was a 2:03 winner at Historic Track in a NYSS late closer on July 5. They’ll be tested by Dave and Mary Beth Fisher’s Stueben Paul who has won his last three starts at various New York State county fairs races, the fastest a 2:08.4 victory at Owego on July 7. Stuben Paul, a Credit Winner-Super Sal gelding, already has four wins this season.

In the final split a battle looms between Mystic Splendor and Mikey, two up and coming youngsters. The former, a Giant Hit-Mystic Virtue colt, comes into the event off a 1:57.4 triumph at Vernon Downs on July 14 while the latter, a Malabar Man-Lavabowl gelding, has had a couple of second place finishes in New York Sire Stakes events after scoring his maiden victory at Pocono Downs in 2:02 on May 26.

Howard Okusko will drive Mystic Splendor for owners Jessica Okusko and Ken Finnerty and they’ll start from post two while Jordan Stratton has the driving assignment behind Blackfoot Farms’ Mikey from post position six.

Post time for the 13-race card will be at 1:10 p.m.