Vernon, NY — The Empire Breeders Classic for 3-year-old New York sired trotters at Vernon Downs was drawn Monday (May 13).

There were nine colts declared and they will go directly to the $215,200 final on Monday (May 27) as part of the matinee Memorial Day holiday card. No eliminations are necessary.

Last season’s unbeaten freshman Gimpanzee is the headliner in the colt division. He won the New York Sires Stakes final and Breeders Crown final during his Dan Patch Award winning season for owner Courant Inc. and trainer Marcus Melander.

Here are the colts in post position order:

Post-Horse-Driver
1. Gettin Serious–Roman Lopez
2. Star Track Hanover–TBA
3. Skyway Kon Man–Trond Smedshammer
4. Whimzical Chapter–Dan Daley
5. Gimpanzee–Brian Sears
6. Mr Vicktor–Tyler Buter
7. Travel Winner–Tyler Buter
8. Cavill Hanover–Jim Morrill Jr.
9. Big Money Honey–Tyler Buter

Twelve fillies were declared and they will race in a pair of six filly eliminations on Friday night with the top nine (first four and one fifth drawn by lot) eligible for the final. The two winners will draw for posts one-six for the $209,500 final on May 27.

Last season’s NYSS final winner Winndevie will compete in the second division for Purple Haze Stable and trainer-driver Trond Smedshammer.

Here are the eliminations:

Race 4-Purse $12,500
Post-Horse-Driver
1. Pilgrims Lass-Mike Simons
2. Conway Kellyanna-Charlie Norris
3. Amal Hall-Jim Morrill Jr.
4. Sensibility-Scott Zeron
5. Amanda Blue Chip-TBA
6. Gobi Princess Jim Morrill Jr.

Race 7-Purse $12,500
Post-Horse-Driver
1. Quincy Blue Chip-Jim Morrill Jr.
2. Winndevie-Trond Smedshammer
3. Sweet Chapter-Jim Morrill Jr.
4. Hanna Dreamgirl-TBA
5. With Out A Doubt-Tyler Buter
6. Stella Jane-Jason Bartlett