Elimination races for the Empire Breeders Classic New York-sired three-year-old trotting events are scheduled for Friday, June 1 at Vernon Downs. Two divisions each of colts and fillies will endeavor to advance to next Friday's rich finals.

The colts come up first (Race 5) with Flyhawk Jester the morning-line choice in the field of seven. Vernon's favourite son, Brian Sears, will return home for the card and has the mount.

Race 10 offers recent NYSS winners Archangel, Coraggioso and Delano battling last year's NYSS final champ, Royal Shyster, for entry into the $233,250 final.

The filly divisions are Race 6 and Race 9, with Lady Crown and Vixy the odds-maker's choice in each, respectively. Both fillies race for local connections Pine Hill Stables, trainer Dee Johnson and Vernon's current leading driver, Chris Lems. They will endeavour to advance to the $239,550 final next Friday.

The top four and a lone fifth-place finisher will move on, with elimination winners choosing their post for the finals.

First post at Vernon is 6:55 p.m.

(Vernon Down)