The sixth of eight stops by the New York Sire Stakes at Batavia Downs this year will occur on Wednesday afternoon (Aug. 29) when ten of the top Empire State-bred three-year-old trotting colts and geldings compete in two $58,000 divisions.

The NYSS dashes have been carded as Race 1 and 7. Two Excelsior ‘A’ contests have also been carded as Race 2 and 5. Post time for the first race will be at 5 p.m.

The first division is a wide open affair with little separating the field.

Cruising In Style (Muscle Mass-SOS Respect) has yet to win a NYSS race, but has raced well in other events this year. He recorded a win at Yonkers in 1:55.1 (which is his lifetime mark) in June and finished a respectable fourth at the Meadowlands in the $50,000 Drazin Stake on Hambo Day in 1:51.4 after having cut the mile. He is the top money winner in this division and should be able to leave in the race, should his connections so desire. Jim Morrill Jr. will steer for the second straight start for trainer Andrew Harris, and the duo has been made the morning line favourite at 2-1 from Post 5.

Clive Bigsby (Muscle Mass-Northern Flare) has finally drawn inside after eight straight weeks of outside posts, On The Ropes (Chapter Seven-Rs Giggles) will look to improve off three straight third-place finishes in NYSS action, and Voss Volo (Credit Winner-Silver Springs) has the fastest seasonal mark of the combatants, but will be looking to return to the consistency he displayed earlier this year.

The second split has Im The Muscle (Muscle Mass-Lady Bling) listed as the 9-5 favourite.

Im The Muscle started the year racing overnights at Rideau Carlton Raceway before transferring to the stable of Rene Allard in mid-July. Since then he has won four straight races, including two Excelsior ‘A’ races. He lowered his lifetime mark to 1:55.2 at Yonkers during his last outing. However, Wednesday will be the first time the gelding has faced top-level NYSS competition, although he still figures to be a formidable foe. Jason Bartlett will be in town to drive and will start from Post 1.

Don (Credit Winner-Angostura) has earned $116,466 this year on the strength of two NYSS victories, but has also finished second in the $133,800 Dexter Cup final and the Empire Breeders Cup consolation. Perlucky (Lucky Chucky-Paper Girl) hadn’t missed a cheque all year before getting parked out in his last start where he faded late. Purpose Blue Chip (Chapter Seven-Munis Blue Chip) has recorded two NYSS wins this year and seems versatile enough to leave or sit.

(Batavia Downs)