Vernon Downs will host two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for Sophomore pacing colts & geldings on Thursday (July 9).
The unbeaten JK Last Chance (Wally Hennessey) looks to be the one to beat in the $57,000 first division. Unraced as a 2-year-old the gelding by So Surreal easily won a leg of the NYSS at Tioga Downs on June 28th. Trained by Jim McDonald, he is two for two in 2020.
His chief rivals will be the Ray Schnittker trained Splash Brother (Tyler Buter) and the Kevin Lare trained Freedom Warrior (Jim Morrill Jr.). Splash Brother is a gelding by So Surreal. He is two for three this season after being winless as a freshman including an eye popping 1:48.2 mile in a win at the Meadowlands. Freedom Warrior (American Ideal) is winless in two starts this year. The gelding had five wins as a freshman and has amassed over $150,000 in earnings during his career.
In the $57,000 second division, the morning line favorite is Blank Stare (Corey Callahan). The gelding by Bolt The Duer is two for two this season including a NYSS win at Tioga Downs. Trained by John Butenschoen, he is five for nine in his career.
Groovy Joe (Matt Kakaley) is the top earner in the group with over $230,000 in the bank. The colt by Roll with Joe had seven wins and three seconds in 10 starts as a freshman. Trained by Blake Macintosh, he is winless in three starts as a 3-year-old.
The other top rival is the Rob Harmon trained American Rebel (Tyler Buter). The colt by American Ideal has a second place finish in two starts this season. Overall he has five career wins with over $140,000 earned.
The 13-race card starts at 4p.m.
For more information go to www.vernondowns.com
