by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

Hamburg, NY — The New York Sires Stakes for the 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers are nearing the halfway point and Sunday afternoon (July 8) at Buffalo Raceway, precious points that are needed to reach the final are starting to come at a premium.

A trio of races, worth approximately $39,000 each, have attracted 17 sophomores looking to solidify their spots for the final on Saturday (Sept. 22) at Yonkers Raceway. In the current point standings, 10 of the top 20 boys will be in action on Sunday. Along with a nice check, 50 critical points will be put into the account of the victors.

Entrants include defending 2-year-old NYSS champion Jersey Jim, 2018 Rooney Pace winner Trump Nation, current NYSS point leader My Delight and Hitman Hill, a winner of nearly $250,000 in just 13 career starts.

The first division will feature My Delight (Betterthanchaddar-Kg Delight) who currently sits atop the points standings with 87. He hasn’t missed the board in six starts this season, putting $49,599 in the bank. My Delight, who has a first, second and third place finish in NYSS competition in 2018, will begin from the four post and be driven by Scott Zeron.

The major threat could be Rootin Tootin (Roll With Joe-Wild Retreat) who currently sits in second place in the points race with 55. Jim Morrill Jr. will guide Rootin Tootin from the second hole.

Others in the field include Lisburn (John MacDonald), Twin B Tuffenuff (Brett Miller) and Handsoffmychips (Jason Bartlett).

Hitman Hill (American Ideal-Fox Valley Shaker) arrives off a third place finish the $500,000 Max Hemp Memorial final at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, losing by a mere head. A participant in last year’s North America Cup final at Woodbine Mohawk Park, Hitman Hill has a lifetime best of 1:49.3 at Pocono. Brett Miller will steer him from the six post.

It’s a stacked field against Hitman Hill as his foes are all in the top 20 in points including Rockapelo (Morrill Jr.), Lyons Steel (Drew Monti), Topville Olympian (James MacDonald), Ghost Dance (Scott Zeron) and Rock Lights (Bartlett).

Ghost Dance was victorious in the NYSS last season at Buffalo Raceway with a 1:57.3 decision with Mike Saftic in the sulky.

The third division, scheduled as the fifth race, has reigning champion Jersey Jim (Artiscape-Jersey Pearl) entered. It’s been a rather slow beginning this season for him, earning just $13,101 in seven tries this season after putting $177,483 in the bank in 2017. Things could be looking brighter however for Jersey Jim (Ray Fisher Jr.) as he comes off an impressive 4-3/4 length score in 1:52.2 at Saratoga Casino Hotel on June 30.

The main competition should come from Trump Nation (Betterthancheddar-Late Flyin N), the winner of the $300,000 Art Rooney Pace at Yonkers on May 26 in 1:51.3. With a bankroll of $189,746 in 2018, Trump Nation drew the rail with Bartlett slated to drive.

Others scheduled to compete in the final bracket include Major Authority (Morrill Jr.), Cross My Mind (Zeron), Real Surreal (MacDonald) and Love Yourself (Steven Rybka).

The track record for the 3-year-old pacing colts is 1:52.3 by Steelhead Hanover in 2012 and 1:53.1 for the geldings established in 2016 by Missile J.

Also on the program will be one $15,000 Excelsior A race and a $6,500 Excelsior B event.

Post time for the 12-race card is 12:30 p.m. For more information including the latest news, upcoming promotions, simulcast schedule, race replays, results and entries, go to www.buffaloraceway.com.