by John Horne, for Tioga Downs
Nichols, NY — Hitman Hill (Brett Miller) puts his unbeaten record on the line while racing in one of two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Saturday (Sept. 9) at Tioga Downs.
In the first division, the morning line favorite is Paprike Blue Chip (Jim Morrill Jr.) at 5-2. Owned by Crawford Farms Racing, Harmony Oaks Racing Stables, and VIP Internet Stable, while trained by John Butenschoen, the colt by Roll With Joe-Bliss N Vinegar has captured two legs of the NYSS, with victories at Yonkers and Saratoga.
The second morning line choice is Springsteen (Rock N Roll Heaven-American Charm) at 3-1. Owned, trained, and driven by Chris Ryder, the freshman is looking for his first win. He had an impressive second place finish in the Lawrence B. Sheppard Pace final at Yonkers Raceway in July.
Hitman Hill (American Ideal-Fox Valley Shaker) is the morning line favorite for the second division at 5-2. After posting his first victory in an Excelsior A Series race, the gelding, who is owned by Tom Hill with Northfork Racing Stable and trained by Chris Oakes, has captured three legs of the NYSS, first at Vernon Downs, then Yonkers Raceway and his last race at Batavia Downs. The freshman is four-for-four in his young career.
Jersey Jim (Jim Devaux) is the second choice at 7-2. Owned by Robert and Gail Sanders while trained by Perry Simser, the gelding by Artiscape-Jersey Pearl has won two legs of the NYSS. He got his wins at Saratoga and Batavia Downs.
Casual Cool (Mike Simons) is the third choice at 4-1. The colt by American Ideal-Sight To See is owned by Kenneth Jacobs and trained by Linda Toscano. He has won four legs of the NYSS so far. He has victories at Buffalo, Monticello, Vernon Downs and Yonkers.
Also on Saturday is Apple Fest at Tioga Downs. Free apple pie and cider during racing. Post time for the 14-race card is 6:50 p.m.
For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.