Track record tied in $104,000 NYSS action

Monticello, N.Y. – Monday afternoon (Aug. 22) was the curtain call for the conclusion of New York Sire Stakes at Monticello Raceway, which saved the best for last as Hurrikane Hunter (Huntsville) came from off the pace to score in a track record equaling mile of 1:54.2. He tied the record Forrest Blu set last season for two-year-old pacing geldings.

The first leg of Sire Stakes was a five-horse contest worth $52,500 following the late scratch of American Fling. Johnny Slack was first away from the gate and had the lead until just before the opening stanza, when Huntinthelastdolar (Huntsville) popped out of the two hole for the lead in 29.1. 

Brian Sears, aboard Duval Street, had a ton of horse and tipped to the outside just past the half in 59.1 and was on the outside grinding away as he hit the next panel in 1:28.2.

Heading into the paddock and final turn, Duval Street had a slim lead on the pacesetter, but Huntinthelastdolar threw down a last quarter of 27 for enough separation for the win over a determined Duval Street in 1:55.2, just a tick off his lifetime best. It was the second Sire Stakes win for Huntinthelastdolar, who is owned by Steve L. Heimbecker and trainer Gregg McNair. He was driven to the win by Doug McNair.

The second $51,500 heat was drawn with five starters, but the late scratch of the early morning line favorite It’s A Me Mario trimmed it to four. Bandito Joe never made it to the gate for Jordan Stratton. Mark Macdonald was first away from the gate aboard Kid From The Bronx and set fractions of 27.4, 57, 1:26.1. 

Hurrikane Hunter and driver Jason Bartlett were sitting third when he pulled to the outside and was aside Kid From The Bronx in the paddock turn.

Once they straightened out and headed for home, he was able to clear and extend his lead to two lengths in the stretch for the record tying win in 1:54.2. 

Kid From The Bronx finished second, followed by Southwind Tito. It was the first pari-mutuel win for Hurrikane Hunter, who is trained by John McDermott.

Sons of Huntsville swept the card, winning all NYSS events. Former Monticello Raceway driver Austin Seigelman drove two winners on the card.

For complete race results, click here.

by Kimberly Winston, for Monticello Raceway