by John Horne, for Tioga Downs
Nichols, NY — Tioga Downs will end its 2017 campaign on Saturday night (Sept. 16) featuring two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for sophomore pacing colts and geldings.
The first division ($61,300) will feature morning-line favorite, Outkast Blue Chip (Jim Morrill Jr.), who is 5-2. Owned by Blue Chip Bloodstock and trained by G Buzzy Sholty, Outkast Blue Chip (Rock N Roll Heaven) has won two legs of the NYSS. He first win was at Buffalo and he then captured another leg his last time out at Yonkers.
The second morning-line choice at 7-2 is Music Is Art (Jim Marohn Jr.). The 3 year-old colt by Art Major is owned by Peter Blood with Rick Perks and trained by Mike Deters. He has three wins in 13 starts this season. The most impressive race was his third place finish in The Empire Breeders Classic at Tioga Downs on Aug. 20.
In the second division ($62,400), the morning-line favorite is Cultural Paradise (Jim Morrill Jr.) at 5-2, who is owned by Bradley Grant and trained by Larry Remmen. Cultural Paradise (American Ideal) has hit the board in all 12 starts this season. He has finished first five times, all at Yonkers, with five seconds and two thirds.
Pointomygranson (Jim Marohn Jr.) is the top rival at 3-1. The 3-year-old American Ideal gelding has won legs of the NYSS in his last two starts. He is owned by Gold Standard Equine LLC and trained by Chris Ryder. The gelding has captured legs at Monticello and Yonkers.
Post time for the 11-race card at Tioga Downs is 6:50 p.m. with fireworks following live racing.
For more information please go to www.tiogadowns.com.