Vernon Downs welcomes two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for harness racing sophomore pacing colts & geldings on Thursday (July 18).
In the $58,700 first division the 2-1 morning line favorite is Shake That House (Brian Sears). He is trained by Chris Oakes for owners Crawford Farms Racing, Alan Johnston, and Northfork Racing Stable. The 3-year-old colt by American Ideal is coming off an impressive win at Pocono Downs in the $500,000 Max Hempt Final. He is five for six this season including a win in the Saratoga leg of the NYSS.
The second choice at 3-1 is Major March (Jason Bartlett). The 3-year-old colt by Art Major is owned by Bay Pond Racing and trained by new hall of fame inductee Linda Toscano. He has three wins this season including NYSS wins at Monticello and Tioga Downs.
American Mercury (Tyler Buter) is the 2-1 morning line favorite at the $59,800 second division. Chris Oakes trains the 3-year-old gelding by American Ideal for owners Crawford Farms Racing, Northfork Racing Stable, Chris Pompey, and Scott Bice. His four wins this season includes NYSS wins at Saratoga, Buffalo, And Yonkers. He owns six career victories.
The Jenn Bongiorno trained Respect Our Flag (Brian Sears) is the 3-1 second choice. The 3-year-old gelding by Roll With Joe is owned by the Barbara Bongiorno Stable, Bill Lambos, and Dionisios Liberatos. He has three wins so far this season and has reached the winner's circle five times in his 15 career starts.
The 10 race card starts at 6:10 p.m.
For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.
John Horne for Vernon Downs.