VERNON, NY (SEPTEMBER 4, 2015) – Harness racing fans in Central New York will be treated to an extra special Labor Day of racing at Vernon Downs on Monday with the New York Sire Stakes and a car giveaway highlighting the holiday program. Post time is 1:15 p.m.
17 freshman pacing colts and geldings were split into two Sire Stakes divisions racing for a total purse of $112,000.
The first division, which goes as race six, is led by undefeated Travel Playlist. The Art Major colt ran his record to a perfect three-for-three with a five-length win at Yonkers in the last leg of the Sire Stakes. Erv Miller trains the $82,000 Harrisburg purchase for longtime owner Ronald Michelon. Marcus Miller will drive Travel Playlist for the first time, but he is no stranger to the 5/2 morning line favorite.
"Erv and I trained him this week with our other Sire Stakes horse, Redneck Rally, and he always talks about how smart and quick Travel Playlist is, which has been great so far in New York on the smaller tracks," said Marcus Miller. "He has a big, good gait so he should be able to carry his speed too on the bigger track at Vernon, but we will see on Monday."
Among his rivals are the Mark Harder trained Joe Larry N Curly, who has won three of his last four in the Sire Stakes. His only loss during that stretch was a runner-up finish behind Travel Playlist. The first division also includes the talented Talk Show, who looked sensational winning his first two career starts in July, but has lost three straight including a last place finish in his Metro elimination. John Campbell drives for trainer Steve Elliott.
The second division, which goes as race eight on the ten-race program, lacks a standout, but offers handicappers several viable win candidates. Locally-based Manny goes out for trainer Jessica Okusko, who scored her biggest career win earlier this summer with Dude's The Man when he won the $400,000 Adios at The Meadows. Like Dude's The Man, Manny is owned by M&L of Delaware and Victoria Dickinson. Vernon's leading driver Chris Lems has the driving assignment from post eight.
Besides the racing, fans will also have a chance to drive home in a 2015 Volkswagon Jetta S in the grand prize drawing of the season-long Horseplay Car Giveaway promotion. Fans can purchase a mini rubber horse for a one-dollar donation then attempt to throw that horse into the moving Jetta after the second race of the day. One lucky winner will win a $100 betting voucher and get their name into the drawing to win the car, which will be awarded after race nine.
For complete racing and promotional information, visit www.vernondowns.com.
Justin Horowitz