Tioga Downs: Fields set for Empire Breeders Classic finals for sophomore pacers

American History and Courtly Choice took the Empire Breeders Classic eliminations for 3-year-old pacing colts, while Alexis Faith and Youaremycandygirl won the companion filly eliminations on Sunday afternoon at Tioga Downs.

In the first $12,500 elimination for the boys, American History (Yannick Gingras) pulled first-up from third past the half, battled with leader Hitman Hill (Brett Miller) through three-quarters in 1:23 4/5, then out-kicked the pace-setter in the lane to win by a length and a quarter in 1:51 1/5. Hitman Hill was second, followed by Heavenly Sound (Jim Marohn Jr.), Ghost Dance (Scott Zeron), and My Delight (Tim Tetrick).

"You've got to go with the horse. Of course I'm an aggressive driver, but this horse likes to chase horses, so I've got to be able to adapt to the horse I'm driving," said Gingras. " He had plenty left. The plugs are still in, and I was taking it easy with him in the stretch. Of course he can go more, but the other elimination is tough too, so I'm sure they're going to go fast too."

American History is trained by Tony Alagna for co-owner/breeder Brittany Farms LLC. and co-owners Marvin Katz and American History Racing. This was American History's seventh career victory, and he pushed his bankroll to $251,999. He was the 3-5 favorite and returned $3.30 to win.

Courtly Choice (David Miller) got away fourth in the second colt pace elimination, but he would make an outside move that carried him into the top spot passing the 55-second half-mile marker. From there, he hit three-quarters in 1:21 2/5 and got home in 27 3/5 to win in 1:49 flat. Ideal Feeling (Tetrick) was the runner-up, with Real Surreal (James MacDonald), Keystone Tenacious (Mark MacDonald), and Mach N Cheese (Marohn Jr.) rounding out the top-five. Mach N Cheese would be the fifth-place finisher drawn by lot to make the final.

"He's a good horse. I've gotten to know him a little bit and kind of know his tendencies," remarked David Miller. "I don't want too sound too confident, but the trip doesn't really matter to him. He races great either way. He needed a race like that. He's been going pretty hard the last couple starts."

Blake MacIntosh trains Courtly Choice, an Art Major colt, for owners Hutt Racing Stable, Mac And Heim Stables, Plouffe, and Touch Stone Farms. Courtly Choice is now a nine-time winner in his life, and he has now earned $534,796. He was the 1-9 favorite and paid $2.20 to win.

Over on the filly side, Alexis Faith (Jim Morrill Jr.) won their first elimination in 1:52. She popped pocket to take control going to the 56-second half and held sway from there, beating first-up Pueblo Blue Chip (Gingras) by half a length. Painted Lady (Tetrick) was third, Ms Cheesman (John MacDonald) fourth, and Apothic (Mark MacDonald) fifth.

The victorious daughter of American Ideal is trained by Casie Coleman for owners West Wins Stable, Jim Fielding, J. Robert Darrow, and Kevin McKinlay. Alexis Faith made her ninth appearance in the winner's circle, and she has now put away $333,168. The 2-5 choice, she returned $2.80 to win.

Youaremycandygirl (Gingras) easily won the second filly elimination in a final time of 1:51. Fresh off a win in the Shady Daisy on Hambletonian Day, Youaremycandygirl settled fourth early, moved into the lead heading to the 56 2/5 half, and went on to score by a pair of lengths over I'm Trigger Happy (Marohn Jr.). Believe In Me (David Miller) got third, with Solitary (Andy Miller) fourth and Majorette Angie (Drew Monti) fifth. Majorette Angie was the fifth-place finisher who advanced to the final.

The defending Dan Patch Award winner for the division, Youaremycandygirl is a daughter of American Ideal trained by Ron Burke for owner W.J. Donovan. This was her 14th career victory, and she has now earned $1,118,609. Dispatched at 1-9, Youaremycandygirl paid $2.10 to win.