by Jonathan Cramer, for Buffalo Raceway

Hamburg NY — Temperatures have been scorching in the northeast this week and on Saturday (July 10) the thermometer may go down a touch but the track at Buffalo Raceway will continue to be hot as the New York Sire Stakes 2-year-old colt pacers debut.

Seven divisions will be going for a total of more than $120,000 in purse money. Of the 51 colts and gelding entered 16 come from Art Major; 11 by Artiscape; 11 by Bettor’s Delight; and six by American Ideal. These are the first crop of American Ideal to begin their racing careers.

Trainer Ray Schnittker, who was on fire Wednesday by winning four of five Sire Stakes, will look to continue his winning ways with his three entries, including Mat’s Delight in the first division, race two. Also entered in the second race are Bombay Away for Rochester native Sam Caruso and Upfrontscott Brown who won last week at Goshen.

In race three, Up The Credit, who was purchased last fall at Lexington for $72,000, was installed as the morning line favorite. Alex Bullville, who will have Jason Bartlett in the sulky for trainer Stephen Crevani, Hank’s Major from the Schnittker Stable, Tampa Bay Escape, trained by George Teague and Bettor’s Green, trained by Ben Wallace, should be on your superfecta tickets.

The third division may be the most even. George Teague’s Keystone Edge will start from the second position. Thomas J will start from the four hole for owner Ken Jacobs and trainer Linda Toscano. Buffalo Raceway’s top driver Jack Flanigen will guide Denver Dolly, trained by George Ducharme. Jim Morrill, Jr. will be on the bike behind Rainbow Power for trainer Paul Reid.

Gunpowder, another entry from the Schnittker Stable, headlines the sixth race that has eight colts who were purchased for a combined $227,000 last fall. Major Way, one of trainer Linda Toscano’s five entries, drew the rail. Brian Cross will be in the sulky of South Coast, who posted a 1:56.2 mile at Vernon Downs. Regular Buffalo driver Ray Fisher will be aboard Yacht King for trainer Mickey Preston.

Bettor’s Delight colts fill the fifth division as five of the seven were sired by the stallion standing at Blue Chip Farms. Reflection Of Blue, Bettors Glass, Townslight Hanover, Gamblers Island and Roadside Delight will try to make it an all-Bettor’s Delight trifecta.

Another of George Teague’s seven entries, Remus Blue Chip, leads the tenth race. Canadian invaders Artist Supplies and Salesman Joe will be some difficult competition along with Test Of Will, trained by Joe Spadaro with Brian Cross in the bike.

If you like longshots you may have to wait for the final stakes race for the best longshot of the night. Sports Edition, who drew the rail, could surprise a few by starting from the rail. Also in the 12th race are Samandar along with So Over, driven by Josh Marks, Flipper J and Southwind Milo, trained by Ron Burke.

Also on the 13-race card is an impressive Open, with the horses’ lifetime earnings totaling more than $1.7 million. Michael Scores will look to make it back-to-back Open wins for owner/trainer James Compton. Two Twentytwo looks to return to his winning ways after a few weeks off. Arm And A Leg, the top ranked horse in the Hometown Harness Rankings, starts from the far outside. Nifty Prescott, out of the Holliday barn, was installed as the morning line favorite.

Inside Track members: remember your coupon Saturday for your Travel Mug courtesy of Buffalo Raceway, New York Sire Stakes and Western New York Harness Horsemen Association. If you are not a member you can sign up online at www.buffaloraceway.com/insidetrack.

Catch all the action at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday with a 6:40 p.m. first post time, and a 1:05 p.m. first post on Sunday through July 25. As always programs are available for free online at www.buffaloraceway.com.