On Wednesday night, August 14, at Batavia Downs, a five-horse field of two-year-old pacing fillies will compete in the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for a share of the $102,500 purse. This small but elite group is headlined by the undefeated Cowgirl Hanover (Huntsville-Code One Hanover), who is expected to be the heavy favourite at post-time.
Cowgirl Hanover has been unbeatable in her first five career starts, all of which were NYSS victories by as many as three open lengths. Her lifetime-best performance of 1:53.3 at Yonkers Raceway on July 11 was particularly impressive, as she overcame broken equipment in the final stages of the race. Currently leading her division in both points (250) and earnings ($284,955), she is poised to extend her dominance in this event. Trainer Jared Bako will once again team up with driver Doug McNair, with the pair set to leave from post one on Wednesday.
One of Cowgirl Hanover’s primary challengers is expected to be her stablemate, The Last Martini (Huntsville-Martinique). Fresh off a lifetime-best 1:54.1 performance last week at Saratoga Raceway, The Last Martini has fewer starts this season but appears to be hitting her stride at the right time. Jason Bartlett will be at the reins, starting alongside Cowgirl Hanover in post-two.
Another contender to watch is Send It Down Slim (Huntsville-Rockinsangria), who has finished in the top three in all five of her NYSS starts this season, with two wins, two seconds, and a third. She currently ranks second in both points (162) and earnings ($165,527) behind Cowgirl Hanover. Although she was defeated by both Cowgirl Hanover and The Last Martini in her last two starts despite drawing post one, she will start from post five in this race, where her strong gate speed could provide an edge. Trainer Ray Schnittker has entrusted Mark MacDonald, who has driven the filly all season, with the reins once again.
The New York Sire Stakes will be held as race six on the card. In addition, there are four $20,000 Excelsior Stakes events scheduled for races two, four, eight, and ten. The first race on Wednesday is set to begin at 6 p.m.