Heston Blue Chip and Bettor’s Edge
captured the two eliminations of the Empire Breeders’ Classic races on Sunday
afternoon at Tioga Downs.
In the first elimination on Sunday
afternoon, Heston Blue Chip (Tim Tetrick) was the overwhelming favorite and
settled in fourth as the field went by the quarter in 26. As the field headed
towards the half mile mark, Breakin The Law (Yannick Gingras) pulled from third
to begin the first over journey with Heston Blue Chip pressed tight on his
helmet.
Lawgiver Hanover (Mark Macdonald)
continued to cut out the fractions by three quarters in 1:22, but the field was
quickly circling the leader around the final turn. Tetrick tipped Heston Blue
Chip three wide off cover and easily opened up for his second straight win at
Tioga Downs in 1:50.4. Breaking The Law (Yannick Gingras) secured second
despite a tough first over trip, while Ideal Romance (George Brennan) closed
late for third. Also qualifying for next week’s final was Bet On The Law (Jim
Morrill Jr.).
In the second elimination David
Miller put Bettor’s Edge on the front end through some favoring fractions of
26.3, 56.2, and 1:24.1. Around the final turn the field was tipping three and
four wide trying to make up ground, but it was a sprint to the wire with
Bettor’s Edge winning the battle in 1:51.2. Getting up for second in the three
horse photo was Major Bombay (Andy Miller), finishing third was Forever Just
(Tim Tetrick). Finishing fourth and qualifying for next week’s final was
Lifeimittatesart (Yannick Gingras).
Coral Snake (George Brennan) and
American GI (Andy Miller) finished fifth in the eliminations and in the draw
for the final spot in next week’s final, Coral Snake has drawn in leaving
American GI as AE1.
Ten 3-year old pacing fillies were
entered into the Empire Breeders’ Classic race on Thursday morning so no
eliminations were necessary. All ten pacing fillies will move directly to the
final on Sunday, August 12th with a post time of 1:30 pm. The ten
fillies for the EBC include – American Jewel, Bettor B Lucky, Brownsville
Bomber, Eighthunrdolarbill, Handsoffmycookie, Hearts N Flowers, Ramalama,
Romantic Moment, Ryder Blue Chip, and Shelliscape.
Tioga Downs continues live racing
on Saturday, August 11th with a post time of 6:50 pm, for more
information on Tioga Downs please visit us on our website at www.tiogadowns.com .
