Tioga: Successful New York Sire Stakes debut for Madden Oaks

Meadowlands Pace winner Madden Oaks posted a hard-earned 1:49 2/5 victory in a $123,900 New York Sire Stakes contest for 3-year-old colts and geldings on Sunday afternoon at Tioga Downs.

Madden Oaks, who'd never raced in the New York Sire Stakes program prior to today, floated out from post position six while Fast Choice (Jason Bartlett) zipped to the front in 26 seconds. Madden Oaks then drove forward but was on the rim until past the 54 second half-mile marker when he finally went by Fast Choice.

After Madden Oaks cleared, 22-1 shot Ima Perfect Choice (Matt Kakaley), who'd swung off the pylons from fourth prior to the half, went up to challenge Madden Oaks and then went past him, putting Madden Oaks in the pocket on the way to the rapid 1:20 2/5 three-quarters.

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Despite the less-than-easy journey, Madden Oaks made another move to the outside on the final bend, got around Ima Perfect Choice in the lane and went on to prevail by three-quarters of a length. Ima Perfect Choice wound up second as Silky Choice (Ridge Warren) closed to get htird. Courts On Fire (Mark MacDonald) and Full Metal Jacket (Leon Bailey) completed the top five.

A Huntsville colt, Madden Oaks is trained by Cam Capone for owners Samir Tawil, Paul Kautz, Alexander Henn and Nathan Fullmer. Bred by The Bay's Stable LLC., Polger Holdings LLC., South Mountain Stables and Mark Mullen, Madden Oaks has a summary of 7-5-2 from 14 career starts, has pocketed $649,286 and paid $4.10 to win as the co-favorite.