Zweig Memorial at Vernon on Saturday

Vernon, NY — Vernon Downs will host the $330,000 Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial trot for 3-year-old colts and its $135,000 filly companion Grand Circuit stakes on Saturday (Aug. 18).

The Zweig (race nine) has drawn the two Hambletonian elimination winners in Greenshoe and Green Manalishi S, both of whom reside in the Marcus Melander stable.

Green Manalishi S (post two, Tim Tetrick) has won half of his six starts this season for owner Anders Strom’s Courant Inc. including a 1:50.3 career best when he prevailed after a long uncovered bid in his Hambo elim. He made his way to the front in the final, eventually succumbing to winner Forbidden Trade.

The enigmatic Greenshoe (post six, Brian Sears) came into the Hambletonian as the heavy favorite. He won his elim in 1:50.2 and looked for all intents and purposes to be the final winner despite an eventful trip when he trotted boldly up to Forbidden Trade mid-stretch, but did not go by. Greenshoe has amassed $586,500 in seasonal earnings for Courant Inc., Hans Backe, Lars Granqvist and Morten Langli.

The $135,000 Filly Zweig (race eight) is a very strong and competitive field led by New Jersey Sire Stakes final winner Evident Beauty (David Miller). She’s won four of seven and is the leading money winner in the field at $206,133 this season for owners Mel Hartman, Little E LLC and R A W Equine. Nifty Norman trains the filly.

Both of the Zweig races will be housed in a stakes barn where they must be checked in by 8 p.m. on Friday evening. Call the Racing Office at 315.829.6825 for details.

The New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts supports the feature with a pair of divisions each racing for a purse of more than $50,000.

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