Buffalo: Sophomores invade Wednesday for rich NY Sire Stakes

It will be a 'doubleheader' of sorts at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday afternoon (June 26) as a big 14-race program is set for 2:30 p.m. With the New York Sire Stakes in town for both sexes in the sophomore trotting divisions, purses ready to be distributed on the entire day totals $383,500.

In the $117,700 division for the 3-year-old fillies, Sister Mary Maude, a winner of $174,636 thus far in her career, posted an eight-length win at Buffalo Raceway in the NYSS as a 2-year-old. It's been a strange start for her in 2024 as Sister Mary Maude (Crazy Wow-Perfect Mass) has finished second in all five of her starts. Trained by Ron Burke, she hopes to get out of the 'bridesmaid' role from the rail with Joe Bongiorno scheduled to drive.

Sadbirdstillsing (Chapter Seven-Fade Into You) won the $84,000 NYSS at Yonkers on May 20 but in three recent appearances has finished no better than third. She hopes to be 'singing' late for driver Jason Bartlett.

Winning Alliance (Chapter Seven-Winning Alliance) arrives capturing six of seven starts on the campaign. She had her six-race win streak snapped on June 7 in the $57,000 NYSS at Tioga Downs where she finished three-quarters of a length behind Honey Sweet. Trained by Matthew Bax, Todd Ratchford is set to be aboard Winning Alliance from the four-hole.

Others in the field are Hippie Shake, Shiv, Nymeria and Seven Year Itch.

There is one division for the 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters and that will carry a bounty of $119.800.

Keep Asking (Chapter Seven-Sensibility) has a NYSS victory under his belt thus far in 2024, that being a half-length score at Monticello Raceway on June 3 in a track-record 1:56. An earner of $283,813 in his lifetime, the George Ducharme-trainee will start from post four for Tyler Buter.

Sky Box (E L Titan-Goddess) drew the rail with Brett Beckwith scheduled for the ride. He is moving up from the Excelsior Series after rolling to a three length score at Monticello Raceway on June 3 in 1:57.

Another to keep an eye on is Super Duper Cooper (E L Titan-Pink Power), who has earned $100,011 in his career thus far. He'll get the three-hole for Bartlett.

Others in the full field of eight include Crazy Brother Jim, Inflation, Victor Laszlo, Nottingham and It Wasn't Me.

There will be four $20,000 events in the Excelsior Series and the $14,000 Class A-Open Pace for the ladies.

-edited release (Brian Mazurek)