Tioga: NY Sire Stakes action featured on Sunday's program

Tioga Downs held two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Sunday (August 20).

Thunder Hunter Joe (Tyler Buter) charged late to capture the $57,000 first split.

American Fling (Mark MacDonald) took the early lead, but Hurrikane Hunter got by and grabbed the top spot before hitting the quarter first in 27 1/5. Metal Man (Matt Kakaley) then brushed from fourth, took control with a lap to go and clicked off the half in 54 1/5. Blue Hunt (Wally Hennessey) came first-up to challenge for the lead as they went down the backstretch, with Thunder Hunter Joe following his cover. However, Metal Man clung to an advantage on the inside at three-quarters, which was posted in in 1:22 1/5.

Buter sent Thunder Hunter Joe three-wide on the final bend, and as they raced through the stretch, Thunder Hunter Joe ($3.10) came flying and went right on to win in 1:51 2/5. Livonjaxandqueens (Michael Merton) came up to finish second. Metal Man had to settle for third.

Thunder Hunter Joe is a gelding by Huntsville. Nick Devita trains for owners David Hamm, Glenn Phillips, Christopher Giaccio, and Devita Racing Stable. He now has five career victories, all of which have come this season.

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Huntinthelastdolar (Wally Hennessey) won the $57,000 second flight.

Huntinthelastdolar ($11.20) sped to command and hit the quarter 26 4/5, then slowed things down and used a 29 second quarter to put up a half of 55 4/5. Peppermint Man (Matt Kakaley) went on the chase going down the backstretch, but Huntinthelastdolar shook him off and led to three-quarters in 1:23 4/5.

As they reached the stretch Goldin Greatness (Jason Bartlett) popped the pocket and came all out after the leader, but Huntinthelastdolar found another gear and won handily in 1:50 2/5. Goldin Greatness was second and Tickertape Hanover finished third.

Huntinthelastdolar is also a gelded son of Huntsville. He is owned by George Kerr, Bradley Grant, and trainer Gregg McNair, and this was his fourth win this season. He now has six career victories.

--edited press release (Tioga)--