Vernon Downs will welcome two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Thursday (July 18).
In the $58,700 first division the 2-1 morning line favourite is Shake That House (to be driven by Brian Sears). He is trained by Chris Oakes for owners Crawford Farms Racing, Alan Johnston, and Northfork Racing Stable. The American Ideal colt is coming off of an impressive win at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono in the $500,000 Max Hempt final. He is five for six this season, including a win in the Saratoga Casino Hotel leg of the NYSS.
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Shake That House, pictured capturing the $500,000 Max Hempt final at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.
The second early choice at 3-1 is Major March (Jason Bartlett). The Art Major colt is owned by Bay Pond Racing and trained by new Hall of Fame inductee Linda Toscano. He has three wins this season, including NYSS wins at Monticello Raceway and Tioga Downs.
American Mercury (Tyler Buter) is the 2-1 morning line favourite for the $59,800 second division. Chris Oakes trains the American Ideal gelding for owners Crawford Farms Racing, Northfork Racing Stable, Chris Pompey, and Scott Bice. His four wins this season include NYSS wins at Saratoga, Buffalo Raceway and Yonkers Raceway. He owns six career victories.
The Jenn Bongiorno-trained Respect Our Flag (Brian Sears) is the 3-1 second choice in the second division. The Roll With Joe gelding is owned by the Barbara Bongiorno Stable, Bill Lambos, and Dionisios Liberatos. He has three wins so far this season and has reached the winner’s circle five times in his 15 career starts.
The 10-race card will start at 6:10 p.m.
For more information, head to vernondowns.com.
(With files from Vernon Downs)