Hitman Hill (Brett Miller) puts his unbeaten record on the line while racing in one of two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for two-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Saturday (September 9) at Tioga Downs.
In the first division, the morning-line favourite is Paprike Blue Chip (Jim Morrill Jr.) at 5-2. The Roll With Joe-Bliss N Vinegar colt has captured two legs of the NYSS, with victories at Yonkers and Saratoga. John Butenschoen trains Paprike Blue Chip for Crawford Farms Racing, Harmony Oaks Racing Stables, and VIP Internet Stable.
The second morning-line choice is Springsteen (Rock N Roll Heaven-American Charm) at 3-1. Owned, trained, and driven by Chris Ryder, the two-year-old is looking for his first win after an impressive second place finish in the Lawrence B. Sheppard Pace final at Yonkers Raceway in July.
Hitman Hill (American Ideal-Fox Valley Shaker) is the morning-line favourite for the second division at 5-2. After winning his first victory in an Excelsior A Series race, the gelding, who is owned by Tom Hill with Northfork Racing Stable and trained by Chris Oakes, has captured three legs of the NYSS (at Vernon, Yonkers, and Batavia). The freshman is four-for-four in his young career.
Jersey Jim (Jim DeVaux) is the second choice at 7-2. The Artiscape-Jersey Pearl gelding, has won two legs of the NYSS, prevailing at Saratoga and Bataiva. Perry Simser trains Jersey Jim for owners Robert and Gail Sanders.
Casual Cool (Mike Simons) is the third choice at 4-1. The American Ideal-Sight To See colt is owned by Kenneth Jacobs and trained by Linda Toscano. He has won NYSS events at Buffalo, Monticello, Vernon, and Yonkers so far this season.
Tioga Downs hosts Apple Fest during Saturday’s card, with free apple pie and cider available during racing. Post time for the 14-race card is 6:50 p.m. Eastern.
(Tioga Downs)