by Sam Pendolino, for Buffalo Raceway

Hamburg, NY — Three divisions of New York Sire Stakes races, for 3-year-old New York Bred fillies highlight the first Sunday afternoon card here at Buffalo Raceway (June3). First post is scheduled for 1:05 PM Eastern Time.

In the first division, race 3 ($41,649), L Diz, fresh off her 1:51.1 lifetime mark, set at Tioga last Monday, and campaigned by trainer Jim Graham, heads a field of eight going postward. L Diz (Artiscape-Hosel Rocket) will be driven by Buffalo Raceway’s leading reinsman Shawn Gray, but must overcome post seven.

The 5-2 morning line favorite is Eighthunrdolarbill (Bettor’s Delight-Mythical), trained by Cassie Coleman, and driven by one of Canada’s young guns, Scott Zeron. Eighthunrdolarbill drew advantageous post one, and won her only race this year at the Meadowlands in 1:52.3, last quarter-mile in :26.2.

The top lifetime money earner in the field is #6 Double Major (Art Major-Mommy Robin Q), who has won $132,408 in 11 lifetime starts, and will be driven by Jeff Gregory. Double Major finished fourth in last year’s $175,000 NYSS final, having earned $129,998 as a 2-year-old.

In the second division, race 7 ($40,749), Major Look (Art Major-Band Of Emeralds), looks to make it two wins in a row this year, with Jim Morrill, Jr., in the sulky. The 2-1 morning line favorite is leaving from post 2, and is trained by Robert Riddle. Major look won easily on 5/19 at Vernon Downs gliding along the 7/8 oval in a lifetime best 1:50 flat. She has 4 wins in 16 attempts, with $133,850 in the bankroll.

Also with a good chance of hitting the board is #4, Stage It Right (Artiscape-Whenuwishuponastar) trained by Jordan Rubin, and driven by Brett Miller. Stage It Right, didn’t race as a 2-year-old, but in 10 starts this year, has 6 wins and 3 seconds. Her $111,351 is tops this year, with a best time of 1:52.3 at Woodbine.

The third division ($41,649) race 9, finds Silk Purse (Bettor’s Delight-Silky) #1 (Jason Bartlett) as the one to beat. Trained by Sam Serianni, Silk Purse finished third in last year’s Sire Stakes Final, and has finished first or second in half her 14 lifetime starts. With $100,946 in lifetime earnings, Silk Purse’s best mile is a 1:53.2 mark at Vernon this year.

Another logical contender is Marinade Hanover (Bettor’s Delight-Maremma Hanover). This Sam Schillaci trained filly, driven by John Stark, Jr., has 3 wins in 8 attempts this year, with her best mile being a 1:54.4 at Tioga. She’s 3-1 in the morning line, and will leave from post 2.

The ninth race is a wide-open affair with the entire field of eight being sired by just three stallions, Bettor’s Delight (4), American Ideal (2) and Art Major (2).

Also on tap for Sunday are 4 Excelsior Stake Races worth $12,600-$12,700 each.