Tioga: American Fling, Blue Hunt prevail in NYSS

Tioga Downs hosted two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for freshmen pacing colts & geldings on Sunday (June 25).

American Fling (Scott Zeron) captured the $51,500 first division. American Fling ($7.30) forged his way to the front and led to the first quarter in 27 2/5, then slowed things down and used a 29 2/5 second quarter to be first to the half in 56 4/5. He cruised to three-quarters in 1:24 4/5, but Its A Me Mario (Jason Bartlett) made his way out of the pocket and came after the leader as they made the turn for home. American Fling had plenty in the tank, though, and won his first career race in 1:53 1/5. Its a Me Mario had to settle for second, and Train Station (David Miller) finished third.

American Fling is an American Ideal-Feeling You gelding. Ed Hart trains the White Birch Farm-bred for owners Randall Bendis, Reed Broadway, and Pollack Racing LLC.

Blue Hunt (Wally Hennessey) took the $52,500 second division. Kid From The Bronx (Mark MacDonald) went right to the front and hit the first quarter in 27 1/5, but Blue Hunt ($5.60) took over the lead as they headed for the stands for the first time. Kid From The Bronx reclaimed the lead as they headed for the clubhouse turn and he reached the half in 56 1/5. Davey Day Trader (Jason Bartlett) came first-up going down the backstretch, but he fizzled out as Kid From The Bronx was first to three-quarters in 1:25 1/5.

Blue Hunt popped out of the pocket as they reached the stretch, and the race was on. Kid From The Bronx and Blue Hunt battled all the way down the lane, but Blue Hunt got by just before hitting the wire in 1:53 4/5. Kid From The Bronx had to settle for second, and Tack Room Chatter (Aaron Byron) finished third.

Blue Hunt is a Huntsville-All On Top Hanover colt bred by Crawford Farms. He is owned by United Process Control Co. and trainer Erica Chartrand. He is now one-for-one in his career.

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Hennessey drove six total winners on Sunday after winning five on Saturday. His other wins came with Wasn't Me ($7.70), That Dog Will Fight ($8.50), Credit List ($14.40), Scootnroll ($5.80) and BJ Lorado ($8.60).

--press release (Tioga)--