With any good fortune, Seafoodpaysthebill won't need seafood to pay the bills.
The two-year-old pacer will make the second start of his harness racing career Thursday in a $9,102 Landmark Stakes division at Goshen Historic Track. The homebred is owned by restaurateur Nick Vamvilis' Seafood Delight Stable in East Windsor, Connecticut.
Last week, Seafoodpaysthebill finished first in a dead heat for win in a "learn and earn" at Scarborough Downs in Maine. He was timed in 2:04.3 around the half-mile track.
"He did everything perfect, and he can go a lot faster than that," said Vamvilis, whose father, Peter, will take over the training of the horse from Dick Bartlett. "We don't push them. He hasn't really gone fast yet."
Seafoodpaysthebill already holds a special place in Vamvilis' heart. The family has bred several horses in the past, but Seafoodpaysthebill was the first foaled at its 16-acre farm in Somers.
"The horses are like family to us," Vamvilis said.
Vamvilis' 74-year-old father, who was born in Greece, got involved in harness racing four decades ago. He also got started in the restaurant business, which has since been taken over by Vamvilis and his brother, John. The family operates the Maine Fish Market Restaurant, which has been a longtime popular eatery in northern Connecticut.
"We're very fortunate. The restaurant has been consistent," Vamvilis said. "It's not easy; it's seven days a week, just like the horses. The horses are our passion. You've got to have something outside of the restaurant – outside of any job – that you enjoy. What we really like about harness racing is that we can train the horses ourselves."
The family has had success in the past on the New York Sire Stakes circuit with horses such as Seafood Lover and Seafood Magic. If Seafoodpaysthebill fares well in Thursday's Landmark, he might go to Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs for the Reynolds Stakes before hitting the sire stakes trail.
"We've had some good years," Vamvilis said, adding with a laugh, "We're still waiting for that big one; the million-dollar one. It's tough for us (as a small stable) to compete with the big guys, but you never know what's going to happen."
First race post time is 1:00 p.m. at Historic Track. Thursday's card features eight Landmark Stakes for two-year-old trotters and pacers.
(HRC)