Vernon Downs will host the $330,000 Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial Trot for three-year-old colts and geldings, along with its $135,000 companion event for fillies, on Saturday (Aug. 18).
The Zweig (race nine) has drawn the two Hambletonian elimination winners in Greenshoe and Green Manalishi S, both of whom reside in the Marcus Melander stable.
Green Manalishi S (post two, Tim Tetrick) has won half of his six starts this season for owner Anders Strom's Courant Inc., including a 1:50.3 career best when he prevailed after a long uncovered bid in his Hambletonian elimination. He made his way to the front in the final, but eventually gave way to winner Forbidden Trade.
The enigmatic Greenshoe (post six, Brian Sears) came into the Hambletonian as the heavy favourite. He won his elimination in 1:50.2 and, for all intents and purposes, looked to be the final winner despite an eventful trip when he trotted boldly up to Forbidden Trade mid-stretch, but did not go by. Greenshoe has amassed $586,500 in seasonal earnings for Courant, Hans Backe, Lars Granqvist and Morten Langli.
The $135,000 Filly Zweig (race eight) features a very strong and competitive field led by New Jersey Sire Stakes final winner Evident Beauty (Dave Miller). She has won four of seven and is leading money winner in the field at over $200,000 this season for owners Mel Hartman, Little E LLC and R A W Equine. Nifty Norman trains the filly.
Both of the Zweig races will be housed in a stakes barn, where all horses must be checked in by 8 p.m. on Friday evening. Call the racing office at (315) 829-6825 for details.
The New York Sire Stakes for two-year-old pacing colts and geldings supports the feature with a pair of divisions racing for a purse of more than $50,000.
In partnership with the United States Trotting Assocation Strategic Wagering Program, Vernon Downs will offer a $5,000 guaranteed Pick-4 pool on Saturday's card.
The Pick-4 covers races six through nine, and will include both divisions of the New York Sire Stakes and both Zweig Memorial events. Total purses for the four races are in excess of $570,000.
(Vernon Downs)