The New York Sire Stakes hits Buffalo Raceway for the first time in 2025 and they'll open the traveling series with a big bang on Wednesday afternoon (June 4).
The 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings, the 'Glamour Division', arrive at the Hamburg half-mile oval at the Erie County Fairgrounds with seven gentlemen to square off in the fourth race for a giant purse of $119,700.
Holt Hanover (Huntsville-Heart Major) headlines the field with Mark MacDonald scheduled to drive the Ray Schnittker trainee. Holt Hanover finished second in the $225,000 finale last season by 3-3/4 lengths to Courts On Fire. He earned $123,163 in 2024.
Thus far on the season, Holt Hanover was third in the $85,500 NYSS event at Saratoga Raceway, losing once again to Courts On Fire. He's been in the money in all three of his starts, putting $16,190 in the bankroll, but is still searching for his first victory of the year. Holt Hanover will start from the six post.
Full Metal Jacket (Huntsville-Quips) had a solid second-place finish at Saratoga on May 25 in the NYSS, dropping a 1-3/4 length decision to Thirsty Thursday in a feisty 1:52 4/5. Full Metal Jacket paced the last quarter mile 27 4/5, so the long stretch at Buffalo Raceway may be to his liking. Jim Morrill Jr. is set to steer Andy Gardner's charge from the four hole as the 5-2 morning line favorite.
Another fella looking to take the lion's share of the big payday is Oogleville (Huntsville Oogle Google). Trained by Per Engblom, Oogleville has been in the money in six of his seven starts on the campaign, including three victories, producing $52,620. He was fourth to Thirsty Thursday in the NYSS earlier this year at Saratoga and will have Kevin Cummings in the sulky.
Others in the field include Idealofaday (Brett Beckwith), Ima Perfect Choice (Matt Kakaley), Dune Buggy (Jason Bartlett) and Red Blooded (Drew Monti).
There will also be two $20,000 Excelsior events for the sophomore male pacers.
The 14-race program will get underway at 2:30 p.m.
For more information including the latest news, upcoming promotions, entries, results and race replays, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
-edited release (Brian J. Mazurek for Buffalo)