Vernon Downs will host two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old pacing colts & geldings, in a special Labor Day matinee on Monday (September 3). Both divisions will race for a purse of $56,500.
The first division features three time winner Major Blake (Jason Bartlett) as the 5-2 morning line choice. Matthew Bencic, Howard Berke, and trainer Sam Schillaci own the colt by Art Major-Bet Your Life. He has paced his way to NYSS wins at Yonkers ($53,000) on June 26, Tioga Downs ($36,566) on July 29, and again at Yonkers ($52,000) on August 24.
The second morning line choice in the first division is the Brett Pelling trained Reigning Deo (Jim Morrill Jr.) at 7-2. The colt by Rock N Roll Heaven-Little Miss K is owned by Deo Volente Farms, Pelling Racing, and S Gordon. Reigning Deo is two for four with a NYSS win at Saratoga ($81,750).
The first division will also include four time NYSS winner Melodies Major (Tyler Buter) at 9-2. Owned by Martin Scharf and trained by Mark Ford, he is a colt by Art Major-Hilarious. He got his wins at Yonkers ($52,000), Monticello ($54,500), Buffalo ($53,500), and Tioga Downs ($35,866).
In the second division, the morning line favorite is Hickfromfrenchlick (Ray Schnittker) at 5-2. The colt by So Surreal-My Girl's A Star is owned by Nolamaura Racing LLC., Thomas Spatorico, and trainer Schnittker. He has three wins in four starts including a big win in the Lawrence B. Sheppard Pace ($100,000) on July 14th at Yonkers Raceway.
The Second morning line choice is the Erv Miller trained Cub Fan (Marcus Miller). The gelding by So Surreal-Pardon is owned by Michael Anderson. Cub Fan is one for three in his young career. His victory was a Geers Stakes ($25,200) win at Tioga Downs.
The 11 race card at Vernon Downs on Monday (September 3) starts at 1:05 p.m.
For more information go to www.vernondowns.com
by John Horne, for Vernon Downs