Chapter Seven Shines Bright in Tioga's NYSS Spotlight

Tioga Downs is gearing up to showcase the talents of two $57,000 harness racing divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) on Friday, June 7th, featuring three-year-old trotting fillies.

In the first division, the spotlight shines on Chaparmbro (Chapter Seven), under the guidance of trainer-driver Trond Smedshammer, and Winning Alliance (Chapter Seven), piloted by Todd Ratchford. Chaparmbro, trained by Smedshammer himself, boasts an impressive track record, having competed in the Breeders Crown Final as a 2-year-old. With a record of a win, two seconds, and a third in six lifetime starts, she's poised for success. Meanwhile, the undefeated Winning Alliance has dominated the 2024 season, clinching six victories, including a notable triumph in the NYSS at Vernon Downs. With seven wins in nine-lifetime starts, she's a force to be reckoned with.

In the second division, all eyes turn to R Melina (Chapter Seven), trained by John Butenschoen and driven by Tyler Buter, as the frontrunner. With a perfect record of two wins this season, securing NYSS victories at Yonkers and Vernon, R Melina has amassed nine wins in her career and earned over $446,000 in lifetime earnings.

Challenging R Melina is Sister Mary Maude (Crazy Wow), steered by Joe Bongiorno. With four second-place finishes in four starts in 2024, Sister Mary Maude has been a consistent performer. Her last two runner-up positions came at the hands of R Melina in NYSS showdowns. Trained by Ron Burke, Sister Mary Maude boasts five career victories and is poised to make her mark on the Tioga track.