Empire Breeders Classic winner Fresh Cut lends a fair bit of star power to a stakes-laden 15-race program on Saturday (September 17) evening at Vernon Downs, as he has been installed as the 2-1 morning line favourite in his $45,000 Excelsior Series final for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings, carded as the night's 10th event.

Leading up to his 17-1 upset in the $240,475 Classic at Tioga Downs on August 28, the son of American Ideal enjoyed success on the Excelsior circuit, winning four of eight such events across the Empire State this summer. He looks for a third straight win and the 11th of his career in Saturday night's event just 12 days after a 1:51.2 victory in a $59,100 New York Sire Stakes event at the Miracle Mile. Marcus Miller will once again handle the driving duties for the Bay Pond Racing Stable and trainer Erv Miller.

In the $45,000 Excelsior final for three-year-old pacing fillies, carded as race eight, 12-time winner Rolling Going Gone has been installed the 5-2 early choice after eight wins and a runner-up finish in nine Excelsior events on the year. Jim Morrill Jr. will drive the capably versatile Roll With Joe filly for owner Ross Bonafield and trainer Erv Miller.

Morrill will also take the lines of the other two Excelsior morning line favourites, teaming up with Tracy Brainard trainee Wendys Girl in the three-year-old distaff trot (race four) and Trond Smedshammer trainee Credevie in the three-year-old colt and gelding trot (race nine).

In addition to the Excelsior Series finals, a quartet of $50,000 New York Sire Stakes consolation events are scheduled on the Saturday Vernon card. Post time is slated for 6:45 p.m. Eastern.

(Vernon Downs)