The Empire Breeders Classic for three-year-old New York-sired trotters that will take place at Vernon Downs has been drawn.
There were nine colts declared, and thus no eliminations are necessary. The group will head directly to the $215,200 championship, which will be contested during the afternoon of Monday, May 27 as part of the track’s Memorial Day holiday card.
Last season's unbeaten freshman Gimpanzee is the headliner in the colt division. He won the New York Sires Stakes final and Breeders Crown final during his Dan Patch Award-winning season for owner Courant, Inc. and trainer Marcus Melander.
The field, in post position order, appears below.
Post-Horse-Listed Driver
1-Getting Serious–R. Lopez
2-Star Struck Hanover–TBA
3-Skyway Kon Man–T. Smedshammer
4-Whimzical Chapter–D. Daley
5-Gimpanzee–B. Sears
6-Mr Vicktor–T. Buter
7-Travel Winner–T. Buter
8-Cavill Hanover–J. Morrill Jr.
9-Big Money Honey–T. Buter
Twelve fillies were declared. They will be split and will contest a pair of six-filly eliminations on Friday night (May 17). The top nine fillies – first four finishers and one fifth-place finisher (drawn by lot) – will advance to the final. The connections of the two winners will draw for Posts 1-6 for the $209,500 championship on Monday, May 27.
Last season's NYSS Final winner, Winndevie, will compete in the second elim for Purple Haze Stable and trainer-driver Trond Smedshammer.
The eliminations field appear below in post order.
Elim 1
Post-Horse-Listed Driver
1-Pilgrims Lass-M. Simons
2-Conway Kellyanna-C. Norris
3-Amal Hall-J. Morrill Jr.
4-Sensibility-S. Zeron
5-Amanda Blue Chip-TBA
6-Gobi Princess-J. Morrill Jr
Elim 2
Post-Horse-Listed Driver
1-Quincy Blue Chip-J. Morrill Jr.
2-Winndevie-T. Smedshammer
3- Sweet Chapter-J. Morrill Jr.
4-Hanna Dreamgirl-TBA
5-With Out A Doubt-T. Buter
6-Stella Jane-J. Bartlett
(With files from Vernon Downs)