Hamburg, New York — Conditions are expected to slow down as the 2023 Buffalo Raceway Live Harness racing season concludes on Saturday, July 22nd. It’s quite the opposite.
On Wednesday (July 19), the New York Sire Stakes will make its final leg to Hamburg’s half-mile oval, where sophomore stallions, geldings and fillies will compete in something of a unique doubleheader.
Gentleman Sidewinder clashed in races 1 and 5, while Lady Trotter tied for races 2 and 7, with all four Sire Stakes prizes worth around $56,500 each. Adding to the excitement are his four $20,000 Excelsior Series events interspersed between the Sire Stakes.
The race that everyone has their eyes on is Race 5, a strong track of five stallions and geldings.
This field is highlighted by Chapercraz (crazy wow-Chapelles) earned $209,652 this season in just nine starts. The Ron Burke trainee had three second-place finishes before coming to Buffalo Raceway, including a $300,000 MGM Trot at Yonkers and a $350,000 at Vernon Downs. The runner-up in Zweig is also included. The gelding has only had one win in his career, but he continues to perform well.
His main rival is Expresso (Chapter 7-Biscotti) won 10 of 11 in 2022, earning $243,400. A close setback in the $137,775 Dexter Cup at Freehold Raceway on May 6, but the $20,000 Excelsior Series race at Vernon Downs on May 23. Then we won. It will be driven by Tyler Miller, who was trained by Julie Miller.
In the first race the early stallion and gelding Sevecheetah trotted (Chapter 7-The White Cheetah) come down a pair of gates into western New York to wire to Yonkers Raceway. Ronnie Wren Jr. will drive conditioned 3-year-old Burke from slot two.
The second race in the program is the NYSS 1st division for fillies and looks to be an interesting race.
Last year’s Excelsior Series champion, Usosuit (evil man-Twin B Kisses) is the only maiden who hasn’t won. She won the $20,000 Excelsior race at Vernon Downs this season, but was a close second in the $104,371 Empire Breeders’ Crown at Vernon Downs and the $59,200 Sire Stakes at Tioga Downs. finished in 2nd place.
Other entrants include All The Rage, Woolco, Pride N Joy and Jean’s Action, all of whom have tasted victories in their previous appearances.
In the seventh race of the program Ruth Hornig (Chapter 7-Lady Grey) leads a four-man field. Last season’s $142,093 winner, Ruth Hornig, made just $20,047 in five starts, but his lack of bankroll could be attributed to his poor starting position. Driver Jordan Stratton won an inside draw on Wednesday afternoon and should be ready, so that wouldn’t be an excuse.
Post time for the 13-race card is 2:30pm, with the first eight races being all-stakes events.
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To Brian J. Mazurekfor Buffalo Raceway
