Vernon Downs is gearing up to host the exciting 2024 Empire Breeders Classic (EBC) for NY sired sophomore harness racing trotting colts and fillies on Friday, June 14th, with post time set for 12:15 pm. This year’s edition of the EBC promises to be a thrilling event, with a total purse of $396,400 up for grabs.
In the fillies division, seven talented fillies will compete in a single division race, vying for a purse of $193,400 in race seven. The standout favorite in this division is R Melina, a daughter of Chapter Seven, who has been on a winning streak, having secured victory in all three of her seasonal starts in NYSS events. Owned by Doug and Rosalind Paul as M&L Of Delaware, along with partners Rita Armitage and James McLane racing as Alabama Harness Associates, R Melina has already added $100,100 to her career earnings, which are nearing the half-million-dollar mark. Trained by John Butenschoen and driven by Tyler Buter, R Melina is poised to put on a strong performance in the EBC.
On the colts’ side, the stake is split into two divisions, each offering a purse of $101,500. In race five, Sir Pinocchio, sired by Met’s Hall and driven by Jason Bartlett, is a top contender, having won three out of five starts this year, including the prestigious Dexter Cup. Trained by Ed Hart and owned by Carolyn Atherton, Sir Pinocchio has already accumulated $118,558 in earnings this season. However, he will face tough competition from horses like Situationship, trained and driven by Ake Svanstedt, and Keep Asking, driven by Tyler Buter and trained by George Ducharme.
In race six, all eyes will be on Dame Good Time, a son of Chapter Seven who recently set a track record of 1:51.1 in a NYSS at Vernon. Trained by Travis Alexander and driven by Scott Zeron, Dame Good Time will be looking to continue his winning ways in the EBC. However, he will face stiff competition from horses like Bargain, driven by Yannick Gingras for trainer Nancy Takter, and Wild Ticket, driven by Dexter Dunn for trainer Marcus Melander.
These exciting races are made possible through the generous sponsorship of The Agriculture & NY State Horse Breeding Development Fund, NY Stallion Owners, and Tioga & Vernon Downs, who have provided over $480,000 in funding for the stakes. In addition to the EBC, there will also be a pair of NYSS divisions for 3-year-old pacing colts and four Excelsior splits, adding to the day’s racing excitement.
As the anticipation builds for the 2024 Empire Breeders Classic at Vernon Downs, harness racing fans can expect a day filled with thrilling competition and top-notch racing action. Stay tuned for all the excitement and drama as these talented colts and fillies battle it out for glory on the track.