Tioga: Freshmen trotters meet for New York Sire Stakes

Tioga Downs welcomed two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings, as well as three splits for 2-year-old trotting fillies on Sunday (July 16).

Wild Ticket (Brian Sears) won the $54,500 first division for colts and geldings. Show Me (Andy Miller) grabbed the early lead but Wild Ticket ($13.40) took over just before hitting the quarter in 28 2/5. He used a 30 second second quarter to be first to the half in 58 2/5, and then Situationship (Ake Svanstedt) made a three-wide move from second-over going down the backstretch to battle for the lead.

Although Situationship loomed on the outside, Wild Ticket was first to three-quarters in 1:26 4/5, maintained command around the last turn, and once they reached the stretch, Wild Ticket found another gear and won easily in 1:55 1/5. Situationship finished second and Show Me was third.

Wild Ticket is Chapter Seven-Onthewildside colt and Marcus Melander trains for owners Amg Stables, Kjellgren, Heights Stableand Mantorp LLC. It was his first career victory.

Nottingham (Marcus Miller) shocked field in the $55,500 second section for colts and geldings. Bargain (Andrew McCarthy) was first to the quarter in 28 2/5 and continued on top through the 57 3/5 half and 1:26 3/5 three-quarters. As they made the turn for home, Nottingham ($46.20), who had been making progress from first-over, surged by Bargain and went on to win in a lifetime-best of 1:55 4/5. Bargain had to settle for second, and Devious Mojito As (Tyler Buter) was third.

Nottingham is a son of E L Titan-Marian owned by Exceed Stables and trained by Jenny Melander. It was his second lifetime win.

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R Melina (Buter) took the $35,900 first flight for fillies. Sadbirdstillsing (McCarthy) carved out the quarter in 28 3/5, but R Melina ($3.20) went on by and took over with a lap to go. After strking the front, R Melina got to the half in 58 seconds while Star Attraction (Ake Svandstedt) came first-up to challenge as they headed for three-quarters in 1:27 3/5.

Star Attraction tried hard but stalled on the rim as R Melina kept going and cruised home to win in a lifetime-best of 1:56 3/5. Sadbirdstillsing was second and Epoch (Scott Zeron) finished third.

R Melina is a daughter Chapter Seven-Goodtogo Hanover and is trained by John Butenschoen for owners M&L Of Delaware LLC. and Alabama Harness Associates LLC. It was her second career victory.

Sister Mary Maude (Joe Bongiorno) captured the $35,900 second clash for fillies. Erin (Dan Daley) jumped out to the lead and hit the quarter in 28 2/5 before Sister Mary Maude ($3.50) went on by and took the lead en route to the half, which went on the board in 59 seconds. Erin came out of the two-hole to challenge for the lead heading for three-quarters, but Sister Mary Maude got there first in 1:27.2.

Sister Mary Maude repelled Erin's challenge, then flew down the stretch to win in a lifetime-best of 1:56 3/5. Shirin (McCarthy) got second money and Hippie Shake (Jordan Stratton) finished third.

Sister Mary Maude is a Crazy Wow-Perfect Match filly and Ron Burke trains for owners Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Switala and Martin. It was her fourth straight win.

Date Night Hanover (Sears) grabbed the $36,600 last contest for fillies. Senorita Palema (Ake Svanstedt) put up all the early fractions of 28 3/5, 58 2/5 and 1:27 3/5 while Date Night Hanover made her move first-up from third heading to three-quarters.

Date Night Hanover and Senorita Palema traded blows all the way down the stretch, but Date Night Hanover surged by late to win in a lifetime-best of 1:56. Senorita Palema had to settle for second and Communion Money (Jordon Stratton) finished third.

Date Night Hanover is a daughter of Chapter Seven-Don't Wait Up and is owned by Jeff Snyder and Onda Racing Stable while trained by Marcus Melander. She is now two-for-two.

--edited press release (Tioga)--