Vernon Downs hosted the Empire Breeders Classic eliminations for three-year-old trotting colts on Friday night (June 9) in addition to three divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for sophomore pacing fillies.

Bills Man ($3.90, Corey Callahan) won the first of the two $12,500 EBC eliminations. Owned by William Wiswell and M&L of Delaware LLC and trained by John Butenschoen, the Credit Winner colt followed Stick With Me Kid (Brian Sears) before blowing by in the stretch to win in 1:53. Such An Angel (Mark MacDonald) came on for second behind Bills Man. Stick With Me Kid hung on for third. Top Flight Angel (Marcus Miller) finished fourth to qualify with the other three for the Sunday, June 18 final.

Devious Man ($4.10, Andy Miller) won the second EBC elimination. Lord Cromwell (John Campbell) brushed by Swell Chap (Corey Callahan) at the half and swelled to a two-length advantage at the top of the stretch. However, Devious Man, who is owned by the Andy Miller Stable and Stoy Inc. and trained by Julie Miller, made his move with a burst of speed overtaking Lord Cromwell (third) and runner-up Swell Chap in 1:53.4. DWs Revenge (Brian Sears) finished fourth. All four colts will advance to next Sunday's final as well.

The ninth colt to qualify for the Empire's Breeders Classic final was Another Chapter (Jim Morrill Jr.).

Vernon Downs will host the Empire's Breeders Classic final for three-year-old trotting fillies ($228,250) along with the Empire's Breeders Classic final for the colts ($252,000) on the Sunday, June 18 card that begins at 1:05 p.m.

Eliminations were not needed for the filly final with 10 entrants (in post position order): Maewegonow, Celebrity Ruth, Sunshine Delight, Ostrich Blue Chip, Amber Ella, Mamora Bay, Heels On Wheels, Stars N Sparkles, Barn Bella, and Chapter Too.

The post position draw for the colts is Wednesday, June 14.

Clear Idea ($8.10, Mark MacDonald) captured Friday's first $39,900 division of the NYSS for three-year-old pacing fillies. The filly by American Ideal, who is owned by Hutt Racing Stable and trainer Blake MacIntosh, went gate-to-wire in 1:52. Gurl Band K (Dan Dube) was second with Artrageous (Andy Miller) third.

Angels Pride ($14.60, Brian Sears) took the second $40,600 division. The Roll With Joe filly, who is owned by the Triple D Stables Inc. and JFE Enterprise LLC while trained by Scott DiDomenico, won with a late move in the stretch to stop the clock in 1:51. Angels Pride held off Major Master Piece (Jim Morrill Jr.) while St Helena (Mark MacDonald) got third.

The third division, also with a purse of $40,600, was taken by Playing Favorites ($13.20, Jason Bartlett). The Roll With Joe filly, who is owned by Lewis Whitaker Jr. and Charles Rowe while trained by Jenny Melander, overtook late leader Planet Rock (John Campbell) to win in 1:52.3. Magic Forces (Marcus Miller) was third.

(With files from Vernon Downs)