Empire Breeders Classic - Part 2, Metro 6 Shooter Introduced

The pacing divisions of the Empire Breeders Classic will be contested Sunday afternoon at Tioga Downs. Like the trotting divisions, some of these pacers will be scene racing in the marquee races this year. For example, Woodrow Wilson winner Windfall Blue Chip will be competing in the fifth race along with stable mate I’m Gorgeous in addition to Malicious and OK Commander. Well regarded Dr Dreamy heads the field for the afternoon’s sixth race.

Here is my review of the Empire Breeders Classic tilts.

Sunday, May 23
Tioga Downs
1st Pace - $12,500; 1st Elimination – Empire Breeders Classic – three year old fillies
1 – Lady Major (7-2) – Has beaten older foes in prior starts. Lands share.
2 – Love And Honor (5-1) – Has had marginal success against these. Pass.
3 – Hula’s Z Tam (2-1) – Winner of six out of seven versus NYSS stock last year. Making first start of year. Your move.
4 – Galimony (3-1) – Just missed in Simpson Memorial in first start. Should improve off of that.
5 – Shaky Hanover (5-2) – Was sharp in her debut last week. One to beat.
Selections: 5-4-1


3rd Pace - $12,500; 2nd Elimination – Empire Breeders Classic – three year old fillies
1 – Lady Bones (5-1) – Should find this field more to her liking. Pick in highly competitive field.
2 – Rough Sketch (3-1) – Could not capitalize on weaker field last week. Tab for later.
3 – Barks Like A Dog (5-2) – Decent effort in season debut. Can take it all.
4 – Max’s Leading Lady (7-2) – Won last. Another who wouldn’t surprise.
5 – Tia Maria Hanover (6-1) – No factor in last. Pass.
6 – Truly A Treasure (4-1) – May need another start.
Selections: 1-3-4

5th Pace – $12,500; 1st Elimination – Empire Breeders Classic – three year old colts
 1 – Windfall Blue Chip (7-2) – Wilson winner last year needed last start. Should improve.
1A – I’m Gorgeous (7-2) – Winner of last race completes strong entry.
 2 – Jo Pa’s Fod (4-1) – Has returned improved over two year campaign. Tested for class.
 3 – He’s Gorgeous (3-1) – Raced well in top class here. Can compete.
 4 – Malicious (5-2) – Makes seasonal debut. Pass here.
 5 – OK Commander (5-1) – 2009 AmNat winner should improve off last start.
 6 – TGIF (6-1) – Big step up from non-winners of one race. Pass
Selections: 1-1A-3-5

6th Pace - $12,500; 2nd Elimination – Empire Breeders Classic – three year old colts
1 – Dr Dreamy (2-1) – Should improve off of first start. Pick here.
2 – Art Two D Two (7-2) – Taking on better makes this horse a pass.
3 – Major Work Of Art (5-1) – Winner of last two may land part.
4 – Freddy Day Hanover (10-1) – Seems to have overcome breaking issues but this may too tough.
5 – S N P Bluechip (8-1) – Canadian shipper may be main challenger to top choice.
6 – Flexjet (4-1) – Had no chance in last. Lacks early speed to get involved.
Selections: 1-5-3

Besides the EBC, there are two late closing finals on Sunday’s card in addition to the start of two new late closing series making this a stronger card. With the Meadowlands not racing, some of the Meadowlands drivers will be making an appearance. For those interested in the entire Tioga card, here are my selections for the balance of the Sunday afternoon card.

2nd – Definietly Maime, Comical Dream, Unefoisdansmavie (7-4-1)
4th – Rules Little Man, Wygant Prince, Kentucky Wildcat, Royal Taga (10-9-5-4)
7th – Sahara Hall, Opan Heart, Anvilanunoit N, Drive All Night (5-7-6-1)
8th – Upto, Harmony Oaks Rengo(POE), Gentleman Friend(POE) (6-1-2)
9th – Ambershaylilkelly, Homerun Hitter, Manzzuto (4-7-8)
10th – The Big Ticket, Matties Gem, Yokozuna Bo (7-1-5)
11th – Virtual Escape, Gotta Go Moe, Cee Pee Bush (3-4-1)
12th – Park Lane Midnight, Presidential Skam, Dangerous Truth (2-1-7)
13th- Savanah Scion, Artful Sky, Reasontocelebrate, Mud Bog (6-4-3-1)

Meadowlands Schedule Changes: This coming week, due to concerts at the sports complex, Thursday and Saturday's race cards will start at 1:10pm instead of the normal 7:00pm post time.

Meadowlands/Yonkers Introduces the Metro 6 Shooter:  Starting on Saturday, June 5, the Meadowlands and Yonkers  Raceway will be hosting a pick 6 wager starting with the fourth race at the Meadowlands each Saturday night.  The pool will be seeded with $30,000 and has a 20% takeout rate.  There will be carryover a carryover in the event the wager is not hit and when hit, there will be a consolation payoff.