Father and son battling for Finger Lakes honors

Trainer Chris Englehart and his son Jeremiah appear to have the two strongest candidates for horse of the year honors at Finger Lakes.

Sly Diamond Jim, unbeaten in six starts locally since coming to Chris Englehart's barn in late spring, and the older mare Hoosick Falls, a two-time stakes winner since coming under Jeremiah Englehart's care, are among six nominees for the award announced this week.

Sly Diamond Jim, a 4-year-old colt, has won at distances ranging from 5 1/2 furlongs to a mile and 70 yards while reeling off six consecutive wins in the allowance ranks.

The 5-year-old Hoosick Falls defeated New York-breds in the Susan B. Anthony Handicap and most recently dominated open company in the Proud Puppy Handicap on Oct. 6.

The four other nominees are a pair of 3-year-olds, the colt Buckridge Bailey and the filly Sweet Lorena, each of whom has won five times locally this season; 5-year-old gelding Tiger Speech, who has 3 wins, 2 seconds, and 1 third in the overnight handicap ranks; and Fly to Me, a 4-year-old filly who has won 4 of 7 starts over the track this year.

The winner will be announced at the local Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association's awards ceremony on Nov. 10.