by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- The final appearance of the New York Sire Stakes for the 2021 season at Buffalo Raceway will take place on Wednesday night (July 7) as the 2-year-old filly pacers will have the honors in two divisions worth over $50,000 apiece.
A dozen young ladies are split into two brackets of six and will go off as the second and fourth races on the 12-race program. First post is scheduled for 5 p.m.
The first division looks like a showdown between Twenty Grand (Huntsville-Up Front Kellie Jo) and Dudes Sweet Bet.
Twenty Grand (Mark MacDonald) arrives fresh off a win at Pocono Downs on June 28 in 1:55. In her career debut, she was second at Pocono in 1:54.2. Drawing the inside, the Ray Schnttiker trained Twenty Grand looks to take advantage of the rail and has been the tabbed the 9-5 favorite.
Dudes Sweet Bet (Dude's The Man-Sweet Bettor) has looked strong in two qualifying victories at Northfield Park. She romped to an easy six length win in 1:57.2 on June 24 in preparation for her pari mutual debut. She drew the three post with Chris Lems handling the driving duties.
Not to be overlooked from the six hole is American Ticket (American Ideal-Free Ticket). She stunned the field at Woodbine in her career debut in 1:54.3 on June 24 at 19-1 odds. Greg Merton will steer the damsel.
Others in the field include Rock N Spree (Drew Monti), Symphony Girl (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Lorrie Sue (Kevin Cummings).
The second division, slated for the fourth race, will have a definite hometown flair to it as Pink Delight (Huntsville-Gentlemen's Delight) headlines the field.
Owned by John and Linda Brei of nearby Batavia, N.Y., Pink Delight is trained by Ryan Swift and will be driven by Ray Fisher Jr., both regulars at Buffalo Raceway, She was a solid half length winner at Northfield Park in her racing debut on June 30 in 1:58.3. Pink Delight will start from the four hole.
The major danger could be American Jazz (American Ideal-Southwind Jazmin) who registered an impressive 8-1/2 length score on June 22 at Harrah's Philadelphia in 1:56.4. Monti gets the call aboard her from the six post.
A Girl That Twirls (American Ideal-Heels On The Beach) has won both of her qualifiers at Pocono Downs including a 1:55.2 effort on June 23. Lems is scheduled to drive her from the two spot.
Others in the race include Goodlucksweetheart (Cummings), April Angel (Morrill Jr.) and Kele Kele (MacDonald).
The track mark for the 2-year-old filly pacers is 1:55.3 set by Fashion Hill on July 3, 2019 with Tyler Buter in the bike.
There will also be two $15,000 Excelsior A Series races on the regular program while a $6,300 Excelsior B event will go as a non-betting affair at 4:30 p.m.