Nichols, NY — Tioga Downs played host for the Empire Breeders Classic for both 3-year-old colts & geldings as well as the 3-year-old fillies on Sunday (August 27).

Huntinthelastdolar scored an impressive victory in the $117,750 Empire Breeders Classic at Tioga Downs. Fred Brown Photo.

Huntinthelastdolar (Wally Hennessey) was a gate-to-wire winner in the $117,750 Empire Breeders Classic first division for colts & geldings.

Huntinthelastdolar ($3.10) charged right to the front and led to the quarter in :27.3.  He used a :29.1 second quarter to be first to the half in :56.4.  Tickertape Hanover (Dexter Dunn) came first-up to challenge going down the backstretch.  Huntinthelastdolar was first to three-quarters in 1:23.4.

As they reached the stretch, Huntinthelastdolar found another gear and cruised to a victory in 1:51.1.  Peppermint Man (Matt Kakaley) came up to finish second.  Tickertape Hanover had to settle for third

Huntinthelastdolar is a gelding by Huntsville.  He is owned by George Kerr, Bradley Grant, and trainer Greg McNair.  It was his fifth win this season.  He now owns seven career victories.

Vivians Dream (Wally Hennessey) won in a wild finish to take the $107,000 Empire Breeders Classic first division for fillies.

Vivians Dream ($15) led to the quarter in :27.2.  Southwind Bella (Jack Pelling) then took her turn on the lead with a circuit to go and led to the half in :56.  Light And Tight (Dexter Dunn) then took control just before hitting three-quarters in 1:23.2.

As they made the turn for home Vivians Dream made her move first-over as Sweet Cheyanne (Marcus Miller) came flying on the outside and High Fashion Star (Jordan Stratton) found an opening on the inside to make it four across the track.  Vivians Dream was not to be denied and won in 1:52.  Sweet Cheyanne was second best.  Light And Tight held on for third.

Vivians Dream is a filly by American Ideal.  She is owned by Forrest Bartlett and trained by Kevin Lare.

Thunder Hunter Joe (Tyler Buter) captured the $119,000 Empire Breeders Classic second division for colts & geldings.

Thunder Hunter Joe went to the front and led to the first quarter in :27.2.  He used a :28 second quarter to be first to the half :55.2.  He cruised to three-quarters first in 1:22.3.

As they reached the stretch second place finisher Goldin Greatness (Jason Bartlett) and third place finisher Metal Man (Matt Kakaley) both made their move but it was too late as Thunder Hunter Joe wins in 1:50.3.

Thunder Hunter Joe is a gelding by Huntsville.  He is trained by Nicholas Devita for owners David Hamm, Glenn Phillips, Chris Giaccio, and Devita Racing Stables.  He now has six wins this season and for his career.

Twin B Joe Fresh (Dexter Dunn) cruised to an easy win in the $107,000 EBC second division for fillies

Twin B Joe Fresh ($2.10) went straight to the front and was first to the quarter in :27.3.  Earthwindfire (Jack Pelling) who had never lost in her 3-year-old campaign followed in the pocket.  Twin B Joe Fresh was first to the half in :57.3.  She remained in full command and led to three-quarters in 1:25.4.

As they made the turn for home Twin B Joe Fresh had plenty in the tank and won easily in 1:51.3.  Earthwindfire finished second.  Windsun Tiara (Mike Merton) collected third money.

Twin B Joe Fresh is a filly by Roll With Joe.  She is owned by Dexter Dunn, Peter Trebotica, Barry Spak and trainer Chris Ryder.  It was her sixth win this season.  She now has 14 career victories.

Tioga Downs also played host to two division of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old pacing fillies.

Leanne’s choice (Marcus Miller) won the first New York Sire Stakes $52,000 division.

Leanne’s Choice ($18.00) won in 1:53.2.  Camerican (Jordan Stratton) finished second.  So Well Dressed (Matt Kakaley) was third best.

Leanne’s Choice is a filly by Courtly Choice-Village Madonna.  She is owned by Ron Michelon, Doug Overhiser and trainer Erv Miller.  It was her third career win.

Sea Pearl (Dexter Dunn) won the second $52,500 Sire Stakes division.

Sea Pearl ($7.60) won in a lifetime best of 1:54.4.  Peace Talks (Jason Bartlett) was second.  Hunting Hula (Pat LaChance) finished third.

Sea Pearl is a filly by American Ideal-Lady Captain.  She is owned by Brittany Farms and trained by Linda Toscano.  It was her third career victory.

Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Saturday (September 2) starting at 6:15 p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.