Vernon, NY – The Empire Breeders Classic (EBC) for 3-year-old New York sired trotters at Vernon Downs was drawn today.
There were but nine colts declared and they will go directly to the $215,200 championship on Monday, May 27 as part of the matinee Memorial Day holiday harness racing card. No elimination necessary.
Last season's unbeaten freshman Gimpanzee is the headliner in the colt division. He won the New York Sires Stakes (NYSS) final and Breeders Crown final during his Dan Patch Award winning season for owner Courant, Inc. and trainer Marcus Melander.
They are in post position order:
Horse Driver
1- Getting Serious – R. Lopez
2- Star Struck Hanover – TBA
3- Skyway Kon Man – T. Smedshammer
4- Whimzical Chapter – D. Daley
5- Gimpanzee – B. Sears
6- Mr Vicktor – T. Buter
7- Travel Winner – T. Buter
8- Cavill Hanover – J. Morrill Jr
9- Big Money Honey – T. Buter
Twelve fillies were declared and they will race in a pair of six filly eliminations on Friday night with the top nine (first four and one fifth drawn by lot) and the two winners will draw for posts 1-6 for the $209,500 championship on the same afternoon.
Last season's NYSS Final winner Winndevie will compete in the second division for Purple Haze Stable and trainer -driver Trond Smedshammer.
They are:
Race 4 Purse $12,500
1. Pilgrims Lass M. Simons
2. Conway Kellyanna C. Norris
3. Amal Hall J. Morrill, Jr
4. Sensibility S. Zeron
5. Amanda Blue Chip TBA
6. Gobi Princess J. Morrill, Jr
Race 7 Purse $12,500
1. Quincy Blue Chip J. Morrill, Jr
2. Winndevie T. Smedshammer
3. Sweet Chapter J. Morrill, Jr
4. Hanna Dreamgirl TBA
5. With Out A Doubt T. Buter
6. Stella Jane J. Bartlett