Vernon Downs will host three divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for two-year-old pacing fillies on Friday (Aug. 30).
In the $34,866 first division, the 9-5 morning line favourite is JK Finendandy (Matt Kakaley). The two-year-old American Ideal-JK Fine Art filly is still searching for her first career victory for the 3 Brothers Stables and trainer Nancy Johansson. She was second in the $64,900 Geers Stakes at Tioga Downs in her last start.
The second choice at 2-1 is Ladyboss (John MacDonald). The American Ideal-Shes A Pansation filly is owned by M&L Of Delaware LLC. and trained by Jessica Okusko. She has won four times in her six career starts.
Galleria Gal (Tyler Buter) is the 9-5 morning line favourite in the $34,866 second division. John Berger trains the Art Major-Just A Glimpse filly or ownnrs Theresa Donnelly and Fernando Amesti Jr. She is two-for-seven in her career, with NYSS wins at Yonkers and Saratoga.
The second choice at 2-1 is the Ron Burke-trained Hen Party (Matt Kakaley). The Roll With Joe-My Lady Day filly is owned by William Donovan. She has a win, a second, and four third-place finishes in her seven career starts.
The top morning choice in the $35,566 third division is Merga Hanover (Matt Kakaley) at 2-1. The American Ideal-Magic Starlight filly is trained by Ron Burke for owners Joe Sbrocco, William Donovan, and Scott and Thomas Dillon. She has won five of her six starts to date, including NYSS wins at Batavia, Saratoga, and twice at Yonkers.
Her toughest rival is So Rude (Jim Morrill Jr.) at 3-1. The So Surreal-I Am A Snob filly is trained by Scott DiDomenico for owners Geoffrey Lyons, Glen Goller and Abraham Basen. She has won two legs of the NYSS — at Monticello and Tioga — in six career starts.
The 11-race card starts at 6:10 p.m. For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.
(Vernon Downs)