Vernon Downs will host a $108,200 USD leg of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for two-year-old pacing fillies on Friday, Aug. 23.
The top two contenders come out of the Jared Bako barn. The 8-5 morning line favourite, Cowgirl Hanover, has five wins in six lifetime starts -- all in the NYSS. The Huntsville-Code One Hanover filly has NYSS wins at Buffalo, Tioga, Monticello, Yonkers and Saratoga. She has banked more than $320,000 already in her young career for NY Seb Inc. Cowgirl Hanover will start from post five with Doug McNair listed to drive.
Bako's other filly, The Last Martini, a two-time winner so far this season, handed Cowgirl Hanover her only loss last time out in a NYSS race at Batavia. The Huntsville-Martinique filly's other NYSS win came at Saratoga. The Last Martini has landed the inside post and will have Jason Bartlett driving for owner Glenview Livestock.
The 14-race card starts at 4 p.m., with the eight NYSS fillies heading to post in the ninth race.
(With files from Vernon Downs)