The top sophomore pacers in New York will gather at Tioga Downs on Sunday afternoon for the rich Empire Breeders Classic (EBC) finals.
Ken Jacobs' Heston Blue Chip has been towering over the NYSS competition all summer and comes into the $270,000 EBC colt final in fine fettle. Last week's elim was a stroll in the park for the imposing son of American Ideal and his handlers are on a big roll as well.
His regular driver Tim Tetrick had a huge day last Saturday at The Meadowlands, winning just about everything of consequence and if one person had a slightly better day, it was Heston's trainer Linda Toscano. She sent out both the Hambletonian and Nat Ray winners and is having a career season.
The fillies are led by a pair from the powerful Brtittany Farms / Jimmy Takter stable. American Jewel is a multiple world champion and has been nearly flawless in 2012. Her understudy, entry-mate Romantic Moment, adds even more strength to this powerful combination. With a flat ten declaring for the race, the fillies did not have to endure the elimination process and all moved directly to the $250,000 final.
Post time on Sunday is 1:30PM and as always, Sunday is family fun day at Tioga. There will be plenty for the kids to do, with a carnival/fair set up for the afternoon.
(Tioga)