Vernon, NY — Vernon Downs welcomes two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for freshman pacing colts and geldings on Friday (Aug. 28).

American Courage is unbeaten in seven lifetime starts. Melissa Simser-Iovino photo.

In the $51,300 first division all eyes will be on the unbeaten American Courage (Matt Kakaley). The American Ideal-Nota Fool Bluechip colt is trained by Travis Alexander. So far he has been phenomenal with seven wins in seven starts. He has won four legs of the NYSS plus a big win in the $104,250 MGM Springfield Stakes final at Yonkers Raceway.

The David Dziengiel trained Sauvignon Bluechip (Tyler Buter) should be his toughest rival. The Art Major-Some Girls Do colt picked up a NYSS victory at Yonkers in his last start. He has finished second to American Courage on two occasions.

I’ll Drink To That (Dexter Dunn) is the top choice in the $50,400 second division. The American Ideal-Margarita Monday colt lost by just a half-length to American Courage in his last start. Trained by Chris Ryder, he picked up a NYSS win at Tioga Downs for his only victory in four lifetime starts.

King James Express (Jason Bartlett) and Carrythetorchman (Marcus Miller) should be major contenders. King James Express (Art Major-More Diamonds) is trained by Mark Harder. The gelding has a NYSS win at Saratoga for his lone career victory. The Erv Miller trained Carrythetorchman is an American Ideal-Kattimon colt. He has two wins in six career starts.

The 15-race card starts at 3 p.m. For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.