Tioga Downs welcomes two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old colts & geldings on Saturday (August 1). Both divisions will race for a purse of $53,100.
The Mark Harder trained Southwind Petyr (Tyler Buter) is the 2-1 morning line favorite in the first division. The colt by American Ideal-Southwind Paris will make his career debut after an impressive qualifier in 1:55.2 at Harrah's Philadelphia.
His main rivals will be Major Bean (Jason Bartlett) and Carrythetorchman (Marcus Miller). Major Bean (Art Major-Lismorebella) is trained by Blake Macintosh. The colt has two seconds in three starts including a second place finish in the NYSS at Saratoga. Carrythetorchman (American Ideal-Kattimon) has a win in three career starts. Trained by Erv Miller, he also had a second place finish at Saratoga.
Unbeaten American Courage (Matt Kakaley) should be the big favorite in the second division. American Courage (American Ideal-Nota Fool Bluechip) is four for four including a win in the MGM Springfield Stakes final at Yonkers. The colt trained by Travis Alexander also has a win in the NYSS at Saratoga.
The Mark Harder trained King James Express (Jason Bartlett) should be the major rival. The gelding by Art Major-More Diamonds won a leg of the NYSS at Saratoga. He is one for two lifetime.
The 15-race card starts at 3 p.m.
