by James Witherite, Vernon
Downs racing media
Vernon, N.Y. -- Empire
Breeders Classic winner Fresh Cut lends a fair bit of star power to a
stakes-laden 15-race program on Saturday (September 17) evening at Vernon
Downs, as he has been installed as the 2-1 morning line favorite in his $45,000
Excelsior Series final for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings, carded as the
night's tenth event.
Leading up to his 17-1 upset
in the $240,475 Classic at Tioga on August 28, the son of American Ideal
enjoyed success on the Excelsior circuit, winning four of eight such events
across the Empire State this summer. He looks for a third straight win and the
eleventh of his career in Saturday night's event just twelve days after a
1:51.2 victory in a $59,100 New York Sire Stakes event at the Miracle Mile, and
Marcus Miller will once again handle the driving duties for the Bay Pond Racing
Stable and trainer Erv Miller.
In the $45,000 Excelsior final
for 3-year-old pacing fillies, carded as race eight, 12-time winner Rolling
Going Gone has been installed the 5-2 early choice after eight wins and a
runner-up finish in nine Excelsior events on the year. Jim Morrill, Jr. will
drive the capably versatile Roll With Joe filly for owner Ross Bonafield and
trainer Erv Miller. Morrill will also take the lines of the other two Excelsior
morning line favorites, teaming up with Tracy Brainard trainee Wendy's Girl in
the 3-year-old distaff trot (race four) and Trond Smedshammer trainee Credevie
in the 3-year-old colt and gelding trot (race nine).
In addition to the Excelsior
Series finals, a quartet of $50,000 New York Sire Stakes consolation events are
scheduled on the Saturday Vernon card. Post time is slated for 6:45 p.m.
Eastern.
