Sire Stakes, S.B.O.A Action First Step For Hambletonian Eligibles

By Frank and Ray Cotolo

(H) denotes Hambletonian eligible

Hambletonian hopefuls were in action on Friday, May 19 in divisions of the New Jersey Sires Stakes (NJSS) at The Meadowlands and on Saturday, May 20 in three divisions of the $146,628 Pennsylvania Sires Stakes (PASS) at The Meadows.” Oaks” contenders also gathered in divisions of the NJSS, as well as the $130,130 Ontario S.B.O.A. final at Mohawk Racetrack on Saturday.

Glitzey Gal (H-Muscle Hill) won going wire to wire in the first filly split of the NJSS in 1:52.3 over Feed Your Head (H-Muscle Hill) and Hillarmbro (H-Muscle Hill). Owned by Melvin Hartman, David Mc Duffee and Little E LLC, trained by Richard “Nifty” Norman, and driven by David Miller, she paid $7.40.

Ariana G (H-Muscle Hill) coasted to a seven-length victory in the other NJSS division, winning in 1:52.2 as the 1-9 favorite over Dream Baby Dream (H-Muscle Hill) and Southwind Prius. Racing for owners Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld, trained by Jimmy Takter, and driven by Yannick Gingras, she paid $2.10.

Moving for the front before sitting and reclaiming the lead around the final turn, Long Tom (H-Muscle Hill) strode home to a 1:52.1 score in the opening division of the NJSS for colts and geldings, besting Yes Mickey and Deacon Tony (H-Muscle Hill). Owned by Amg Stable Oy, trained by Marcus Melander and driven by Tim Tetrick, he paid $3.80.

What The Hill (H-Muscle Hill) won the closing colt NJSS split going wire to wire in 1:52.2 over Southwind Cobra (H-Muscle Hill) and New Jersey Viking (H-Muscle Hill). Owned by Burke Racing Stable, Our Horse Cents Stable, Jerry and Theresa Silva Stables and Deo Volente Farms, trained by Ron Burke, and driven by David Miller, he paid $2.40.

In the first division of the PASS, Sortie (H-Explosive Matter) swept to the lead moving around the final turn, winning in 1:53.1 over Giveitgasandgo (H-Yankee Glide) and High Glider. Owned by Patricia Stable, Joe Sbrocco, Mario Mazza, and Sortie Stable, trained by Noel Daley, and driven by Andrew McCarthy, he paid $5.40.

Taking the lead into the backstretch, Andy M maintained the lead as Gustavo Fring flew home to finish second in the 1:54.1 mile, with Stealth Hanover (H-Andover Hall) finishing third. Owned by Mark Moger and Albert Delia Jr., trained by Christopher Beaver, and driven by Aaron Merriman, he paid $7.20.

Common Parlance slid to the lead in the stretch to win the final PASS division in 1:54.4 over Brown Bear (H-Cantab Hall) and Brand New Key (H-Cantab Hall). Owned by Wade Wyatt and Francis Di Mondi Jr., trained by Joseph Skowyra, and driven by Mike Wilder, he paid $7.20.

In the $130,130 Ontario S.B.O.A. final, Magic Presto (H-Kadabra) led the whole mile in her 1:54.3 victory over Gravitator (H-Kadabra) and Royal Witch (H-Kadabra). Owned by Melvin Hartman, Herb Liverman, David Mc Duffee, and Little E LLC, trained by Richard “Nifty” Norman, and driven by Trevor Henry, she paid $2.50 to win.