Batavia: Hickfromfrenchlick gutsy, game in New York Sire Stakes victory

Hickfromfrenchlick put forth a tenacious and determined effort on the front-end, outlasting both halves of a heavily-favored Chris Oakes-trained entry to win the first of two New York Sire Stakes events for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings this afternoon at Batavia Downs in 1:51 2/5, tying the track record. Oakes did get a measure of revenge in the other split as his American Mercury was victorious.

Driven by Matt Kakaley in the $58,700 race, Hickfromfrenchlick left hard from the rail and used the inside advantage to its fullest, denying Max C. Hempt Memorial winner Shake That House (Tyler Buter) the front going to the 26 2/5 opening quarter and forcing him back into the pocket. Once that initial skirmish ended, Hickfromfrenchlick was able to back down the second quarter some, getting to the half in 55 seconds flat.

Business picked up again on the third turn as Shake That House made another bid to the outside, and another duel would commence between the top two up the backstretch and to the 1:22 4/5 three-quarters. Oakes pupil Buddy Hill (Marcus Miller) was following his stablemate from second-over, but when Major March (Jason Bartlett) began to backpedal, he was able to slide into the pocket to save some ground around the final bend.

Shake That House's bid was clearly rebuffed as Hickfromfrenchlick turned for home, but Hall of Fame basketball player Larry Bird's namesake then had to deal with a passing lane attack from Buddy Hill. He was able to withstand that charge as well, finding the wire a quarter of a length to the good. Shake That House wound up finishing in third.

Trainer Ray Schnittker also co-owns Hickfromfrenchlick, a colt by So Surreal, with partners Nolamaura Racing LLC. and Thomas Spatorico. This was his eighth career win, and he has now earned $253,466. He was the 2-1 second choice and paid $6.50 to win.

The second $58,700 sire stakes tilt was much more straightforward, with 1-9 favorite American Mercury winning for Buter and Oakes in 1:52 2/5. He made his way around Artie's Ideal (Miller) for the top spot heading to the 28 1/5 first quarter, put up middle-half stations of 57 and 1:25 1/5, and sprinted home in 27 1/5 to win by a length and three-quarters. Artie's Ideal held second, with Magic Joe Lindy (Drew Monti) back in third.

A gelding by American Ideal, American Mercury is owned by Crawford Farms Racing, Northfork Racing Stable, Chuck Pompey, and Scott Rice. American Mercury made his eighth appearance in the winner's circle, and he now has a bankroll of $248,463. He returned $2.10 to win.