Tioga Downs will host a pair of $53,100 divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for two-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Saturday (August 1).

The Mark Harder trained Southwind Petyr (to be driven by Tyler Buter) is the 2-1 morning line favourite in the first division. The colt by American Ideal-Southwind Paris will make his career debut after an impressive qualifier in 1:55.2 at Harrah's Philadelphia.

Southwind Petyr's main rivals on Saturday will be Major Bean (Jason Bartlett) and Carrythetorchman (Marcus Miller). Major Bean (Art Major-Lismorebella) is trained by Blake MacIntosh. The colt has notched two second-place finishes from three starts, which includes a second-place finish in a NYSS stop at Saratoga Casino Hotel. Carrythetorchman, who is by American Ideal and out of Kattimon, has notched a one win after three career starts. Trained by Erv Miller, Carrythetorchman has also tallied a second-place finish at Saratoga.

The unbeaten American Courage (Matt Kakaley) should be the big favourite in the second division. American Courage, who is by American Ideal and out of Nota Fool Bluechip, is four for four, including a win in the final of the MGM Springfield Stakes at Yonkers Raceway. The colt is trained by Travis Alexander.

The Mark Harder trained King James Express (Jason Bartlett) should be the major rival in the second division. The gelding by Art Major-More Diamonds won a leg of the NYSS at Saratoga. He is one for two lifetime.

The 15-race card is scheduled to get underway at 3 p.m.

(Tioga Downs)