Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- The New York Sires Stakes for the
3-year-old colt and gelding pacers is nearing the halfway point and Sunday
afternoon (July 8) at Buffalo Raceway, precious points that are needed to reach
the finals are starting to come at a premium.
A trio of races, worth approximately $39,000 each, has
attracted 17 sophomores looking to solidify their spots for the finals on
Saturday, September 22 at Yonkers Raceway. In the current point standings, 10
of the top 20 boys will be in action on Sunday. Along with a nice check, 50
critical points will be put into the account of the victors.
Entrants include defending 2-year-old NYSS champion Jersey
Jim, 2018 Rooney Pace winner Trump Nation, current NYSS point leader My Delight
and Hitman Hill, a winner of nearly $250,000 in just 13 career starts.
The first leg will feature My Delight (Betterthanchaddar-Kg
Delight) who currently sits atop the points standings with 87. He hasn't missed
the board in six starts this season, putting $49,599 in the bank. My Delight,
who has a first, second and third place finish in NYSS competition in 2018,
will begin from the four post and be driven by Scott Zeron.
The major threat could be Rootin Tootin (Roll With Joe-Wild
Retreat) who currently sits in second place in the points race with 55. Jim
Morrill Jr. will guide Rootin Tootin from the second hole.
Others in the field include Lisburn (John MacDonald), Twin B
Tuffenuff (Brett Miller) and Handsoffmychips (Jason Bartlett).
Hitman Hill (American Ideal-Fox Valley Shaker) arrives
coming off a third place finish the $500,000 Hempt Finals at Pocono Downs,
losing by a mere head. A participant in last year's North American Cup final at
Woodbine, Hitman Hill has a lifetime best of 1:49.3 at Pocono. Brett Miller
will steer him from the six post.
It's a stacked field against Hitman Hill as all his
foes are in the top 20 in points including Rockapelo (Morrill Jr.), Lyons Steel
(Drew Monti), Topville Olympian (James MacDonald), Ghost Dance (Scott Zeron)
and Rock Lights (Bartlett).
Ghost Dance was victorious in the NYSS last season at
Buffalo Raceway with a 1:57.3 decision with Mike Saftic in the sulky.
The third division, scheduled as the fifth race, has
reigning champion Jersey Jim (Artiscape-Jersey Pearl) entered. It's been a
rather slow beginning this season for him, earning just $13,101 in seven tries
this season after putting $177,483 in the bank in 2017. Things could be looking
brighter however for Jersey Jim (Ray Fisher Jr.) as he comes off an impressive
4-3/4 score in 1:52.2 at Saratoga Raceway on June 30.
The main competition should come from Trump Nation
(Betterthancheddar-Late Flyin N), the winner of the $300,000 Rooney Finals at
Yonkers on May 26 in 1:51.3. With a bankroll of $189,746 already in 2018, Trump
Nation drew the rail with Bartlett slated to drive.
Other scheduled to compete in the final bracket include
Major Authority (Morrill Jr.), Cross My Mind (Zeron), Real Surreal (MacDonald)
and Love Yourself (Steven Rybka).
The track records for the 3-year-old pacing colts is 1:52.3
by Steelhead Hanover in 2012 and 1:53.1 for the geldings established in 2016 by
Missile J.
Also on the program will be one $15,000 Excelsior A race and
a $6,500 Excelsior B event.
Post time for the 12-race card is 12:30 p.m.
For more information including the latest news, upcoming
promotions, simulcast schedule, race replays, results and entries, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
