Monticello: New York Sire Stakes contests showcased on Monday afternoon

Hickfromfrenchlick, Major March, and Rollwithpapajoe began their New York Sire Stakes campaigns for 2019 with victories in the three divisions for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings that took place on Monday afternoon at Monticello Raceway.

In the first $38,200 split Hickfromfrenchlick (Mark MacDonald) was the 1-5 choice, and he delivered in game fashion. He rolled through easy fractions of 28 2/5, 58 1/5, and 1:28 over the good going, but a first-over American Mercury (Tim Tetrick) battled with him from three-quarters all the way to the wire. Hickfromfrenchlick, named after Hall of Fame basketball player Larry Bird, certainly made his namesake proud by coming through in the clutch, though, holding sway by a neck in 1:55. Stone Hanover (Scott Zeron) was the third-place finisher.

A colt by So Surreal, Hickfromfrenchlick is co-owned by trainer Ray Schnittker along with Nolamaura Racing LLC. and Thomas Spatorico. This was Hickfromfrenchlick's sixth win from nine career starts, and he has now earned $165,141. He returned $2.70 to win.

Major March (Jason Bartlett) and Major Blake (Tetrick) were both even-money shots in the next $38,900 grouping, and they both showed early speed, with Major March forcing Major Blake to back into the pocket before the 28 2/5 opening quarter. That was really the decisive moment in the race, as Major March kept clear from there, rolling through a 58 1/5 half and a 1:26 4/5 three-quarters on his way to a 1:55 score. Major Blake crossed under the wire next, followed by Astaire (Jim Marohn Jr.).

Linda Toscano trains Major March, an Art Major colt, for owner Bay Pond Racing Stable. Major March made his third appearance in the winner's circle, and he now has a bankroll of $50,155. He paid $4.20 to win.

The $38,900 final flight saw Energyzone Hanover (Billy Dobson) charge away from the gate to the early lead, but Dealer's Table (Bartlett) popped out of the pocket and came up to grab the front at the 29 3/5 first quarter. After taking control, Dealer's Table was able to get away with a soft 59 3/5 half, but a first-over Rollwithpapajoe (Tyler Buter) chased him down at the 1:28 1/5 three-quarters, then cleared him. It was all Rollwithpapajoe from that point, as he poured it on to prevail by 3 1/4 lengths in 1:56. Reigning Deo (Jim Morrill Jr.), the defending sire stakes champion for the group, was second, and Covered Bridge (Zeron) snagged third.

Rollwithpapajoe is a Roll With Joe gelding trained by Jennifer Bongiorno for owners/breeders Barbara Bongiorno Stb LLC., Bill Lambos, and Dionisios Liberatos. Rollwithpapajoe is now a four-time winner in his life, and he has put away $48,836. The 9-2 third choice, Rollwithpapajoe returned $11.80 to win.