Tioga: Major Betts, Blank Stare and JK Last Chance get NYSS wins on Sunday

Tioga Downs played host to three divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for sophomore pacing colts & geldings on Sunday (June 28).

In the first $38,233 division, Major Betts ($10.20) and driver Dexter Dunn jumped off of the gate and went to the front and led to a first quarter in 26 1/5. The big favorite Splash Brother went first-over from third and took over the lead with a circuit to go. He led to the half in 53, with Major Betts following in the pocket. As they made the move down the backstretch, it was Groovy Joe (Matt Kakaley) to make the first move, going first-over from third. He couldn't make any traction and actually fell back as Splash Brother hit three-quarters first in 1:21.

Turning for home it was evident that it was going to be a two-horse race. Major Betts popped out of the pocket as they reached the stretch and blew right on by to win in 1:49 4/5. Splash Brother had to settle for second money. Groovy Joe held on to finish third.

Major Betts is a 3-year-old colt by Art Major. He is owned by Joe Jannuzzelli, Deena Frost, and trainer Mark Harder. It was a win in his first start of 2020. He now has five career victories.

Blank Stare (Corey Callahan) held firm to win the $38,233 second division.

Genius Man (Jason Bartlett) went straight to the lead but Blank Stare ($3.50) would go by him just after Genius man hit the first quarter in 27. Blank Stare led to the half in 55 3/5. Reagan Blue Chip (Brian Sears) went first-up and put on the pressure and actually held the lead briefly before Blank Stare reclaimed the front hitting three-quarters in 1:22 3/5.

Blank Stare and Reagan Blue Chip battled all the way down the stretch, but in the end Blank Stare was too strong and won in a lifetime best of 1:50 1/5. Regan Blue Chip was second with Genius Man claiming third.

Blank Stare is a 3-year-old gelding by Bolt The Duer. He is trained by John Butenschoen for owners Harmony Oaks Racing Stable, James Crawford IV, and In Over My Head Stable. It was his second win this season and he now owns five career wins.

The third $38,934 division went to upsetter JK Last Chance.

Cigars And Port (Wally Hennessey) took control early and led to the first quarter in 26 2/5 and to the half in 55. Save Me A Dance (Jason Bartlett) came first over and took charge just after Cigars And Port hit three-quarters in 1:22 3/5.

JK Last Chance ($14.80) was sixth at the half and found himself second-over fourth after three-quarters. He went alongside Save Me A Dance as they made the turn for home and JK Last chance skipped away in deep stretch to win easily in a lifetime best of 1:50 4/5. Save Me A Dance was second best. Ideal Perception finished third.

JK Last Chance is a 3-year-old gelding by So Surreal and is owned and trained by Jim McDonald. He did not race as a 2-year-old. The gelding is two-for-two as a sophomore.

Wally Hennessey drove five winners on the night. Along with sire stakes winner JK Last Chance, he finished first with Mr Dunnigans ($2.20), Cashallic ($2.60), Queen Me Again ($11.60), and Steuben Warlock ($8.80).

Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Monday (June 29) with a 13-race card stating at 4 p.m.

-edited release (Tioga)