by Dustin Ross, Regional Racing Operations Manager, Tioga Downs & Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY — In the $283,475 final of the Empire Breeders’ Classic for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters, Dejarmbro and I’m The Answer who will be coupled in Monday’s wagering have been made the 9-5 morning line favorites in race number six. The two Credit Winner sophomores both established new lifetime marks in last week’s eliminations with trainer – driver Trond Smedshammer for Purple Haze Stables. With Smedshammer driving Dejarmbro in the final on Monday afternoon, Brian Sears has been called upon to drive I’m The Answer who posted the fastest elimination with a 1:54.3 fist over score.

Below is the field for Monday’s Final:

Race 6:

$283,475 Empire Breeders’ Classic Final:

3-year old colt and gelding trotters:

#-PP -HORSE-DRIVER-TRAINER

1-2-Dejarmbro-Trond Smedshammer-Trond Smedshammer

1A-3-I’m The Answer-Brian Sears-Trond Smedshammer

2-4-All In Tad-Ray Schnittker-Ray Schnittker

2A-8-Whitewater Rapids-Jeff Gregory-Ray Schnittker

2B-9-Wheels-Tim Tetrick-Ray Schnittker

3-1-Evil Urges-Jimmy Whittemore-Homer Hochstetler

4 -5-Surface Tension-Dan Daley-Dan Daley

5-6-Keenan-Chris Lems-Larry Remmen

6-7-Whatever It Takes-Andy Miller-Julie Miller

In the $238,225 final for 3-year old filly trotters a three horse Gewertz – Schnittker owned entry has been made the 2-1 morning line favorite and will include Jezzy, Epona Blue Chip, and Some Girls. Last week Jezzy used a pocket trip to notch her second win of the year in a new lifetime best of 1:56.1. However, with the Schnittker entry Tim Tetrick has been given the mount on Jezzy for Monday’s final.