Monticello: Sons of Huntsville sparkle in NYSS

Two sons of Huntsville - Huntinthelastdolar and Hurrikane Hunter - finished first in the New York Sire Stakes divisions for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers that were featured on Monday afternoon at Monticello Raceway.

Johnny Sack (Mark MacDonald) went to the lead from post four in the opening $52,500 split, but Doug McNair swung out of the pocket with Huntinthelastdolar approaching the 29 1/5 quarter and took charge after that marker. Huntinthelastdolar would then reach the half in 59 1/5, and even-money favorite Duval Street (Brian Sears) moved first-over out of the third spot beyond that station.

Duval Street advanced quickly towards Huntinthelastdolar and claimed an advantage on the rim approaching the 1:28 2/5 three-quarters, but Huntinthelastdolar was able to counter and quicken on the inside on the final bend, keeping Duval Street on the outside. Once they turned for home, Huntinthelastdolar was back in command, and he drew away impressively while under wraps in the stretch, tallying by a length and a half in 1:55 2/5. Duval Street had to settle for second, followed by Livonjaxandqueens (Drew Monti).

Bred by Crawford Farms, Huntinthelastdolar, owned by trainer Gregg McNair in partnership with Steve Heimbecker, is out of the Bettor's Delight mare Eighthunrdolarbill and fetched $60,000 at last year's Lexington Selected Yearling Sale. Huntinthelastdolar has two wins and a second from three career starts, has now earned $66,375, and paid $4.40 to win as the 6-5 second choice.

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The second $51,500 flight saw Kid From The Bronx carve out panels of 27 4/5, 57, and 1:26 1/5, but Hurrikane Hunter (Jason Bartlett), who had gone first-up from the three-hole on the third turn, moved up into second at three-quarters. Hurrikane Hunter sustained his bid and pressured Kid From The Bronx on the final bend, wore him down and went by before they entered the lane, and then drew off to score by 2 1/2 lengths in 1:54 2/5. Kid From The Bronx held second from Southwind Tito (Austin Siegelman).

Hurrikane Hunter, out of the Rock N Roll Heaven mare Lil Peaceofheaven, was bred by Steve Jones and is trained by John McDermott for owners Jonathan Klee Racing, Taddeo Sienicki Stables, Justin Bolasci, and William Garofalo. Hurrikane Hunter broke his maiden in his sixth opportunity, pushed his bankroll to $37,674, and returned $7.70 to win as the 5-2 third choice.