Tioga Downs will host three divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings during Sunday’s Father’s Day card.
Hickfromfrenchlick (Mark MacDonald) is the 5-2 morning line favourite in the first division ($38,900). The three-year-old colt by So Surreal is owned by trainer Ray Schnittker along with Nolamaura Racing, and Thomas Spatorico. He has two wins this season including a leg of the NYSS at Monticello. He has won six times in 10 career starts.
The second morning line choice at 3-1 is Respect Our Flag (Joe Bongiorno). Trained by Jennifer Bongiorno for owners Barbara Bongiorno Stable, Bill Lambos, and Dionisios Liberatos. The three-year-old gelding by Roll With Joe has two wins this season and four career victories.
The second division ($38,200) features the 9-5 morning line favourite Reigning Deo (Jim Morrill, Jr.). The three-year-old colt by Rock N Roll Heaven is owned by trainer Brett Pelling, Brian Gordon, and Deo Volente Farms. He has three seconds and a third in four starts this season. He has three career victories.
The second morning line choice is Buddy Hill (Jason Bartlett) at 2-1. The three-year-old colt by Roll With Joe is owned by Tom Hill and trained by Marcus Melander. He is still searching for his first win as a sophomore. He finished a respectable fourth in the Art Rooney Pace final ($300,000) his last time out at Yonkers.
In the third division ($38,900) the morning line favourite at 2-1 is American Mercury (Tyler Buter). The three-year-old gelding by American Ideal is trained by Chris Oakes for owners Crawford Farms Racing, Northfork Racing Stable, Chuck Pompey, and Scott Bice. He has NYSS wins at Yonkers and Saratoga this season. The gelding owns five career victories.
The 5-2 second choice in the last division is the Linda Toscano trained Major March (Jason Bartlett). The three-year-old colt by Art Major is owned by the Bay Pond Racing Stable. His two wins this season includes a NYSS win at Monticello. He has won three races in his career.
Tioga Downs will also welcome the Wiener Dog races.
There will be three heats of 10 dachshunds per heat. The top three finishers from each heat will qualify for the finals. The fastest wiener dog in the finals will win a $500 wagering voucher. Second place is good for a $200 wagering voucher. The third place finisher gets a $100 wagering voucher.
The 13-race Father’s day card starts at 1:00 p.m.
(Tioga Downs)