Vernon Downs will play host to two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for two-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Friday (Aug. 12).
Thunder Hunter Joe is the 6-5 morning line choice in the $52,500 first division, with Austin Siegelman listed to drive. The Huntsville-Thunder Angel gelding is trained by Nicholas Devita. He has a pair of second place finishes in his two lifetime starts. Both were in NYSS races.
The Erica Chartrand-trained Blue Hunt is the 9-5 second morning line choice and will be driven by Wally Hennessey. The Huntsville-All On Top Hanover gelding has two lifetime wins from five starts -- both in NYSS events at Saratoga Casino Hotel and Tioga Downs.
Human Cocktail (pictured above) is the 2-1 morning line favourite in the $53,500 second division for driver Jim Morrill Jr. Gareth Dowse trains the Huntsville-Lotsa Natzah colt, who has three wins in four lifetime starts including a NYSS victory last time out at Batavia Downs.
American Fling, to be partnered with Jason Bartlett, is the 5-2 second choice. The American Ideal-Feeling You gelding, who is four-for six lifetime, is trained by Edward Hart and won his first four NYSS races at Tioga, Yonkers Raceway, Buffalo Raceway and Saratoga.
The 12-race card starts at 6:05 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)