223G NYSS MIKE CIPRIANI TROT WENT IN HAPPY HALF-DOZEN
Winbak Dream and Jim Morrill win NYSS leg in 1:59.2 Monday. Mike Lizzi, photo
YONKERS, NY, Monday, July 14, 2008 -- Yonkers Raceway's second sojourn into New York Sire Stakes action offered Monday night's $223,445 Mike Cipriani Trot for 3-year-old fillies.
Winbak Dream (Jim Morrill Jr.) turned in the night's fastest (1:59.2) statebred event, going the distance (1:59.2) in the second ($39.024) NYSS event. The Malabar Man miss, co-owned by (trainer) Joseph and Edward Flynn, paid $6.40 for her third win in six '08 tries.
Epangeline, runner-up in the $324,694 final of the Hudson Trot here 16 nights ago, had loomed a short-priced proposition in the third ($38,324) division but was scratched-ill. That defection left Southwind Martini (Gregory) in the role of miniscule ma'am, and she prevailed ($2.60) in 2:01.2. The daughter of Conway Hall, owned by Souttwind Farm and trained by Jonas Czernyson, is now 5-for-9 this sseason.
The evening's other statebred races, each worth $39,024, went to...
--Parcc Side (by Credit Winner); co-owners Alan Tomlinson & Dale Larson/trainer Kara Buxton; 1:59.3/$3.10;
--It's Coast Time (by Credit Winner); owner Tom Lail/trainer Tom O. Lail/driver Gregory; 2:01.3/$19;
--Nirvana Blue Chip (by Credit Winner); owner Steve Organ/trainer-driver Jim Raymer; 2:00.4/$5.40.
Monday's card also included a Yonkers/Pompano amateur drivers event, won handily by Noreaster Hanoer ($7.50) for Leon Cable and the south Florida contingent in 2:01.3.
Also Monday, 23-1 Lady McCardle ($48.20) gave 21-year-old driver Martin Morel his first local victory in the $7,500, seventh-race pace. Morel had come south of the border for the NYSS..
New York Sire Stakes continues here Tuesday night, with the $244,035 Art Watson Pace, five divisions for soph fillies.
Yonkers six-night-per-week live harness schedule (Monday through Friday--all at 7:40 PM--and Saturday--6:50 PM) is in effect through October. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.
BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Emoire City @ Yonkers Raceway
BANG-BANG FINISH TO "CAT" IN 30G OPEN HANDICAP PACE
YONKERS, NY. Saturday, July 12, 2008 -- A case could have been made for most of octet in Yonkers Raceway's Saturday night $30,000 Open Handicap Pace.
Close on paper...closer at the wire.
A stretch scrum saw King Cat Anvil N (Jordan Stratton) prevail from the pocket, getting the nod over the horse directly behind him, Magum (Stephane Bouchard, four winners Saturday).
Rare Jewel (Pat Lachance), leaving from posr position No. 5 as the 4-5 choice, stepped around King Cat Anvil N--leaving directly inside him--to secure the lead just after a 28-second opening quarter-mile.
A seemingly soft-enougb :57.1 intermission should have worked to the advantage of Rare Jewel when Rain Train (Jason Bartlett) offered a stout, first-over challenge.
Cheyenne Hollywood (Eric Abbatiello) was second-up, while Getting Real (Greg Merton), last week's upsetter, was third over.
Rare Jewel clung to a tenusous lead at the 1:25.1 three-quarters and maintained it turning for home, but the walls were closing in. The public choice was being surrounded from all sides, with the pair directly inside of him getting the decision. King Cat Anvil N was a nose better than 18-1 Magum in 1:53.3, while 35-1 rank outsider Getting Real was up for third, beaten just a neck.
Rain Train and Rare Jewel completed the cashers in a race where 1-through-8 were sepaeated by just 2 3/4 lengths at the line.
For King Cat Anvil N, a 6-year-old Down Under Christian Cullen gelding owned by Joseph Kiwczak and trained by David Stratton, he returned $11.20 (third choice) for his sixth win in 25 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $92, with the triple worth $978.
New York Sire Stakes return here Monday night, with the $233,445 Mike Cipriani Trot for 3-year-old fillies to be constested in six divisions. Tuesday night offers the $244,035 Art Watson Pace (five divisions), also for soph fillies.
Yonkers six-night-per-week live harness schedule (Monday through Friday--all at 7:40 PM--and Saturday--6:50 PM) is in effect through October. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.
BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway
DRIVER JEFF GREGORY WINS FIVE MONDAY
YONKERS, NY, Monday, July 7, 2008 -- Driver Jeff Gregory batted .500 during Yonkers Raceway's 13-race Monday night program, winning half of his 10 drives.
Gregory, who sat out the opener, won the $6,000, second-race trot with Private Education ($13.30) in a life-best 2:01.1, then the $5,500 fourth-race pace with an invading Windy City Paige (1:58). That one overcame the eight-hole at $8.10 mutuel.
Gregory disposed of another eight-hole when Andy's Trotter ($9.20) won the $6,000, sixth-race trot (2:00.2) before Lavish Life ($12.60)--in his first purse try in two months--won the $5,000, seventh-race pace in 1:57.3.
The quintet was completed when Sports Fanatic ($5.80) found room late in the $6,000, ninth-race pace (1:56.1).
Jordan Stratton and Jim Pantaleano drove three winners each, while trainer Richard Jones went a perfect 3-for-3.
Monday night's card also featured a most improbable occurrence when the eight horses in the ninth race finished in post position order.
Yonkers now offers a six-night-per-week live harness schedule (Monday through Friday @ 7:40 PM, Saturday @ 6:50 PM). Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.
BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway
BADLANDS NITRO WINS 538G ART ROONEY PACE; SPORT'S NEWEST MILLIONAIRE
Badlands Nitro and Brian Sears win Art Rooney Pace at Yonkers in 1:52.4. Mike Lizzi Photo
YONKERS, NY, Saturday, July 5, 2008 -- Style points were at a premium for Badlands Nitro Saturday night, but he was efficient enough to win Yonkers Raceway's $538,270 final of thr Art Rooney Pace.
With Brian Sears driving for co-owner/trainer George Teague, "Nitro" outkicked his main rival, Santanna Blue Chip (Jody Jamieson) to prevail by a half-length 1:52.4. The win, Teague's second in succession as trainer in this race--Southwind Lynx won the million-dollar Rooney in '07--made Badlands Nitro harness racing's newest milionaire.
Moon Beam (Eric Abbatiello) was a credible third despite a first-up effort, beaten a length-and-a-half. Legacy N Diamonds (Tim Tetrick), the other half of the "Santanna" entry, wound up fourth, with Dragon King (Dave Miller) grabbing the final pay envelope. Dontloseyourdayjob, Idle Hour (Jason Bartlett driving the other portion of the winning entry) and Meant to Be Me (John Campbell) were the back markers.
Leaving from post position No. 6 in the field of eight 3-year-old colts, Badlands Nitro--the stronger half of the 3-10 favored entry--dropped in fifth. Dontloseyourdayjob (Yannick Gingras) had schnoz on starting gate from the eight-hole, rolling right to the front just after a :27.1 opening quarter-mile. Santanna Blue Chip, from post No. 3, fell in behind, with pole-sitting Dragon King (Dave Miller) away third.
"Dayjob" continued through a :56.1 intermission, before Moon Beam took out of fourth. Badlands Nitro looked at it from second-over, though not without his escort getting after him a bit. Dontloseyourdayjob and Moon Beam were right alongside one another going to the 1:24.1 three-quarters, with Badlands Nitro going three-deep and Santanna Blue Chip searching for room.
"Nitro" did get his mind on business when it counted, outgaming a splitting-rivals Santanna Blue Chip for half the pot. The $269,135 winner's share increased his career cash to seven figures--$1,007,392--a fraternity which already included Santanna Blue Chip.
The two had won last week'ss $40,000 elimination races, with "Nitro's" 1:51.4 just two-fifths away from the local soph pacing colt record.
Badlands Nitro, a son of Badlands Hanover co-owned by John Celii, paid $2.70 for his sixth win in seven seasonal starts ($861,488). The exacta returned a popular $4.10, with the triple (three wagering choices inorder) worth $11.40.
"That's just the sort of horse he is," Sears said. "He does what he has to do. You just have to give him a chance, and he really has never disappointed us."
"I'm just very pleased with his success," Teague said of the $16,000 yearling who has made a few dollars back from that original investment. "We had this race on his schedule all along, and we just hope to get horses good enough to bring here."
Thong Wins $325,230 Lismore Final
Tim Tetrick and Thong win $325,230 Lismore Pace at Yonkers Saturday night. Mike Lizzi photo
Saturday night's $325,230 final of the Lismore Pace--companion event to the Rooney--saw Thong (Tetrick) two-move to glory in 1:53.3...a new track record for 3-year-old fillies.
Leaving from post No. 6--same venue as Badlands Nitro--Thong ducked in fourth while Hammah Isabel (Gingras) rated early intervals of :28.2 and :57. Thong edged out to engage the leader by the 1:24.4 three-quarters, with "Isabel" owning a length-and-a-quarter lead into the lane.
However, Thong proved too tough, going up and over by that same 1 1/4 lengths. Good News Lady (Greg Grismore), last along the pylons turning for home, knifed through to grab second at 33-1, with Cheyenne Trish (Campbell)--gapping the winner's cover--settling for third. Riverbank Hanover (Sam Schillaci) and Hannah Isabel rounded out the payees, with Ladycino (Jim Morrill Jr.), Chocolate Art (Bartlett) and Ideal Newton (Greg Merton) brining up the rear.
Thong, a daughter of Western Hanover trained by Kevin Lare for North Street Stable and Jerry Silva, paid $4.20 as the wagering choice. Her fourth win in six '08 tries led a $139 exacta and $531 triple. Southwind Tempo, driven by Tetrick to win this race a season ago, had the old divisional standard (1:54.4).
Yonkers' now-six-night-per-week (Monday through Friday--all at 7:40 PM--and Saturday--6:50 PM) welcomed the return of Wednesdays this past week. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.
BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway
NAPOLEON WINS $605,854 YONKERS TROT; "MIMI" CREAMS 324G HUDSON
YONKERS, NY, Saturday, June 28, 2008 -- Napoleon took full advantage of someone else's Waterloo Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $605,854 final the 54th Yonkers Trot.
Stephane Bouchard drove the statebred son of Credit Winner--one of six New York-breds in the final--to a tight-quarters, head victory in 1:57.1. Make it Happen (Ray Schnittker) flew home inside to just miss, while Big Apple Deli (John Campbell) was third, beaten a half-length.
The race, first jewel of the Trotting Triple Crown, was there for Holiday Credit (Ron Pierce). The 17-10 favorite had engaged, then put away, Napoleon in and out of the final turn. However, Holiday Credit became rough and broke, and a mad scramble for the glory ensured.
Napoleon, under a vigorous Bouchard whip, found the wire just in time. Make it Happen, in tight as Napoleon bore in a bit to avoid the breaker, was beaten by the wire. Holiday Credit wound up fourth, but was disqualified to sixth for his transgression, Over Ruled (Mike Lachance, fifth placed fourth), Ace High Hall (Dave Miller, sixth placed fifth), rank outsider Di Manggio (Jeff Gregory) and Velocity Hall (Jason Bartlett) completed the order.
Velocity Hall broke in the pocket going toward the three-quarters.
It was the pole-sitting Velocity Hall taking full advatantage of the open draw, stinging Napoleon before letting that one go. Napoleon--leaving from post position No. 2--found a :28.2 quarter-mile and :58.2 intermission.
Over Ruled took an early seat in front of Holiday Credit, before pulling and towing the fave into the fray.
Napoleon was engaged by a three-deep Holiday Credit going toward the 1:27 three-quarters, then the latter seemingly put away the former.
Holiday Credit opened daylght mid-stretch before picking a bad night to have a bad night. "All he had to do was coast home," Pierce--15 years removed from his lone (American Winner) Trot victory--said, "He seemed a bit shaky early on, but when I moved him to the outside, he was better. "I felt him losing it, and just couldn't get him to stay at it. It (stinks)."
"It's a gret honor," Bouchard said. "I can't describe it. My older son (Oliver) up in Canada told me I was going to win the race, so I dedicate it to him." It was the first Trot victory for Yonkers' five-time defending driving champion.
Napoleon, the '07 NYSS frosh champ, was trained by Noel Daley for co-owners Larry Thomases, Sidney Korn, John Guarniere & Ken Tucci. He returned $6 (second choice) for his third win in five seasonal starts. He led a $33 exacta and $127.50 triple.
The $302,000-plus winner's share more than doubled Napoleion's previous ($230,768) career cash.
Creamy Mimi wins Hudson Filly Trot in 1:58.1 Saturday night at Yonkers. Mike Lizzi, photo.
The $324,694 final of the Hudson Filly Trot wasn't nearly as dramatic. Odds-on choice Creamy Mimi (Trond Smedshammer, $3.20) controlled the race at every pylon, leading through two-furlong times of 29.2, 1:00.2, 1:29.3 and 1:58.1. She won by three easy lengths. Epangeline (Schnittker) was second as the second choice, with 45-1 proposition There'a Way (Bouchard) rallying for the bottom of the ricket.
Creamy Mimi, a statebred daughter of Conway Hall, was trained by Smedshammer for co-owners Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld. She has won three of here five '08 tries.
Smart Dream (Steve Smith)--at 86-1--and Muscle Shirt (Jordan Stratton) completed the cashers, with the dancing trio of Lindy's Heiress (Gregory), Flower Lane (Campbell) and Morgun's Sweetheart (Jim Marohn) bringing up the rear.
Saturday night's pacing parade offered a pair of $40,000 eliminations for the Art Rooney, with 11 3-year-old colts vying for eight places at next Saturday night's $538,270 head table. Small--priced props Badlands Nitro (Bartlett, $2.50) won in 1:51.4, while millionaire Santanna Blue Chip (Jody Jamieson, $3) wired in 1:54.2.
Also advancing to the final were Dontloseyourdayjob (Yannick Gingras), Moon Beam (Eric Abbatiello), Legacy N Diamonds (Jamieson), Meant to Be Seen (Campbell), Dragon King (Miller) and Idle Hour (Bartlett).
That program is undercarded by the $325,230 final of the Lismore Pace (3-year-old fillies), with (Friday) elim winners Thong and Cheyenne Trish joined in the sewing circle by Hannah Isabel, Ideal Newton, Good News Lady, Riverbank Hanover, Ladycino and Chocolate Art.
Yonkers' now-six-night-per-week (Monday through Friday--all at 7:40 PM--and Saturday--6:50 PM) welcomes the return of Wednesdays beginning this coming week (no rest for the weary). Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.
BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, EmpireCity @ Yonkers Raceway
RARE JEWEL TOYS WITH OPEN 'CAP PACE FOES
YONKERS, NY, Saturday, June 14, 2008 -- For Flag Day, seven rivals raised a white one in the presence of Rare Jewel.
The classy gelding appreciated the class reprieve and the genrous starting venue, easily winning Saturday night's $30,000 Open Handicap Pace at a soggy Yonkers Raceway.
With Pat Lachance driving for trainer Rich Banca, Rare Jewel--in his first non-stakes/series start since mid-March--wasted no time adding to the $900,000-plus career stash.
Back across the border after visiting Western Fair (and Frank Salive) for the Molson Pace, Rare Jewel had acqtuitted himself well in the George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series here earlier this season.
Leaving from post position No. 3 with the hopes and dreams of those who took him at 3-4, Rare Jewel had things all his own way. He raced the raindrops through a :28.2 opening quarter-mile, :57.3 intermission and 1:25.1 three-quarters. Rare Jewel slapped three lengths on his nearest pursuer--the pocket-sitting Royal Man (Greg Grismore)--in and out of the final turn, before winning by 4 3/4 lengths in 1:53.1.
Royal Man saved second, with Forest Vic A (Steve Smith), Tuffofthetoughest (Gareth Dowse) and last week's winner, Getting Real (Greg Merton), rounding out the payees.
For Rare Jewel, a 7-year-old Articsape gelding owned by Norman Vartanian, he paid $3.50 for his third win in 15 seasonal starts. The exacta returned $14.60, with the triple worth $129.50.
Yonkers' five-night-per-week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday--all at 7:40 PM--and Saturday--6:50 PM) remains in effect. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.
Please be advised that stakes action resume next weekend, with eliminations for the '08 Yonkers Trot scheduoled for Saturday night, a night after elims for the companion event, the Hudson Filly Trot
. BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, EmpireCity @ Yonkers Raceway
AMERICAN LANE (NEW TROT RECORD), BENEAR, GETTING REAL WIN 30G TRI-FEATURES
YONKERS, NY, Saturday, June 7, 2008 -- Returning from a late-spring break, Yonkers Raceway offered up Saturday night's trio of $30,000 Open Handicaps, with a new track record to show for it.
American Lane (Jeff Gregory, four winners on the 11-race card), the odds-on favorite, held off No More Gold N (Greg Grimosre) in the weekly featured trot, prevailing in 1:55.1. That effort was a tick faster than the mare Victor's Vicky's performance Apr. 25, and also established a new number for aged geldings (Impeccable Image's 1:55.4 had lasted more than a dozen seasons).
Leaving from post position No. 4, American Lane--in his first local try since last November--led through fractions of :28.2, :58.1 and 1:26.4, taking a length-and-a-quarter lead into the lane. No More Gold N, who dove into an early pocket, was the only one of the five rivals within shouting distance, but missed a head.
I'm a Sakra (Jason Bartlett), defending champ Armbro Barrister (Ray Schnittker) and Grecale AS (Jim Meittinis) completed the cashers. Unser Diamant (Jordan Stratton) was outrun.
For American Lane, a 6-year-old Primrose Lane gelding trained by Carl Cito Jr. for co-owners David Scharf & Jerry Silva, he returned $3 for his sixth win in 17 seasonal starts. The exacta (two faves) paid $5.80, with the triple paying $28.
The co-owner/trainer/driver team struck again when favored Benear won the distaff derby.
Assigned post No. 5, she two-moved up and over the pace-setting Miss Galvinator A (Jim Marohn), taking a three-length lead into the lane. Benear won by 1 3/4 lengths in 1:53.3. Miss Galvinator A held second, with Whambam N (Jack Baggitt Jr.), Sister Kae (Jim Pantaleano) and Omen Hanover (Eric Abbatiello) rounding out the payees.
For Benear, a 5-year-old daughter of Badlands Hanover, she returned $5.90 for her fourth win in 16 '08 tries. The exacta (two choices) paid $12, with the triple worth $55.50.
Getting Real (Greg Merton) was able to get off the seasonal schneid, holding off even-money fave King Cat Anvil N (Stratton) in the Open Handicap Pace.
Leaving from post No. 2, Getting Real was away third before engaging King Cat Anvil N through a protracted battle from the (:57.3) intermission. Getting Real was able to get the lead before the 1:24.2 three-quarters, owning a length-and-a-quarter advantage turning into the stretch.
He then held King Cat Anvil N at bay, winning by three-quarters of a length in 1:52.3. Cam's Fool (Gregory), Royal Man (Stephane Bouchard) and Secluded Island (Meittinis) also earned pay envelopes.
For Getting Real, a 6-year-old Riyadh gelding trained by Noel Daley for co-owners Adam Victor & Son and Sidney Korn, he paid $14.60 for his first win in five seasonal starts. He led a $52 exacta and $253.50 triple.
Yonkers' five-night-per-week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday) schedule resumes next week, with the new Saturday first post (6:50 PM) taking effect next Saturday night. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.
BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway
GREG GRISMORE REACHES 5000 WINS
YONKERS, NY, Monday, May 26, 2008 -- Though he shamlessly violated protocol by reaching the milestone elsewhere, Yonkers Raceway nevertheless presented driver Greg Grismore with a congratulatory sign Monday night, commemorating his 5,000th career victory.
Grismore hit the figure earlier in day with Real Nasty Miss at Pocono Downs. The 38-year-old, a native of Bluffton, OH, was a pernennial driving leader at Northfield Park before moving his base to Westchester in late 2006. He wasted no time establishing a single-season best in '07 with more than $5.8 million in purses, including wins in final of the George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series here with Maltese Artist as well as the American-National at Balmoral and the Tattersalls at the Red Mile, both with Won the West.
Won the West and Griamore also teamed to win this past Saturday night's $200,000 Dan Patch at Hoosier Park.
Grismore, with more than $24 million in career purses, currently ranks third in both local wins and earnings thie season, behind Jason Bartlett and Stephane Bouchard. Of course, having Yonkers spring for the cost of a sign--and then not actually accomplishing the feat here--might seriously jeopardize those driving privileges.
"When I started out, driving horses for my family, I never thought about winning this many races," Grismore said. "There are so many people who have helped me alomg the way." Grismore drove his first winner (True Breton) at Toledo's Raceway Park in 1987.
Monday props to Pat Berry, who won four races (from seven drives) on the 10-race card.
Yonkers offers a five-night-per-week live harness schedule, with first post every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:40 PM. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.
Please note a schedule change, with the Raceway dark after Saturday night's card, returning for live racing Saturday night, June 7. For that week. "dark nigbt" evening simulcasting is available Thursday/Friday, with afternoon simulcasting continuing around the NYRA schedule.
BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway
GRISMORE CLOSING IN ON 5,000 WINS
YONKERS, NY, Thursday, May 22, 2008 -- Greg Grismore was shut out in eight drives Thursday night at Yonkers Raceway, leaving him three wins shy of 5,000 for his career. He had inched closer to the figure with a pair of wins on the Chester afternoon card.
The 38-year-old Grismore, a native of Bluffton, OH, was a pernennial driving leader at Northfield Park before moving east in early 2007. He wasted no time establishing a single-season best with more than $5.8 million in '07 purses, including wins in final of the George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series here with Maltese Artist as well as the American-National at Balmoral and the Tattersallas at the Red Mile, both with Won the West.
Grismore, now just under $24 million in career purses, currently ranks third in both local wins and earnings this season, behind Jason Bartlett and Stephane Bouchard.
Grismore drove his first winner (True Breton) at Toledo's Raceway Park in 1987. "When I first started out, I never dreamed I'd have this many wins," he said. "(Coming east) has worked out well, but with so many good drivers around, you have be ready to travel day and night to make yourself available."
In fact, Grismore is headed (mid)west Saturday night, reuniting with Won the West at Hoosier Park's $200,000 Dan Patch. He has been told in no uncertain terms that should he reach the milestone at a venue outside Westchester, he shall be banished back to Ohio.
The Mildred Williams Driving Series, a ladies-only event to benefit breast cancer reaearch, visits Yonkers Friday night as the third race on the 11-race program. This particular event figures to be bittersweet as Ms. Williams, a matriarch of Canadian harness racing who lent her name to this series, passed away Wednesday in Ottawa at age 91.
Yonkers offers a five-night-per-week live harness schedule, with first post every Monday (including Memorial Day), Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:40 PM. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.
BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway
MILDRED WILLIAMS DRIVING SERIES VISITS YONKERS FRIDAY NIGHT
YONKERS, NY, Monday, May 19, 2008 -- For the second season in a row, Yonkers Raceway shows its chivalrous side by welcoming the Mildred Williams International Driving Series.
The pacing event, for lady drivers only, goes as the third race on the 11-race program, with first post at 7:40 PM.
The Mildred Williams Series, named to honor one of matricharchs of Canadian harness racing, not only showcases woman drivers, it more importantly raises money for breast cancer research.
The horses are "donated" by their respective trainers, the ladies all donate their driving fees, and hosts tracks make donations to the cause. Last season, the series raised in excess of $92,000 in races on both sides of the border. Yonkers is once again making a contribution to the Kelly Rooney Foundation.
The 2007 Yonkers victress, Kelly Case, is back to defend her title, driving Willobee Magic from post position No. 6. Ms. Case has 758 driving victories, most among this octet.
Anne-Marie Turenne, who won this event at Monticello (from the eight-hole at 20-1) earlier in the month, takes a seat behind New York Prime from post No. 3.
Stacy Chiodo, who owns the distinction of turning in the all-time fastest mile by a woman driver (Mighty Joe Young's 1:50.3 at Chester last September), is chauffeuring Trick Pony from post No. 4.
Linda Toscano, who has earned her well-deserved reputation as one of the sport's leading trainers, sees how the other half lives--from the eight-hole, no less--with the veteran gelding Diaper Dandy.
The ladies from the Delaware circuit--Linda MacDonald and Valerie Warnick--drew the two inside venues, Ms. MacDonad with I'm a Camedian from the pylons and Ms. Warnick introducing herself to Fox Valley Thorn from post No. 2.
Betsy Phillips, who has done very good work as a trainer/driver in the Catskills, gets acquainted with Daylon Traveller from post No. 7, while series points leader Ann-Karin Larsen drives T J's Ginmaster from post No. 5.
The field for Friday night's Mildred Williams Driving Series event, with drivers and career wins thrrough this past Monday along with morning-line odds...
Monday night's pair of finals in the Empire City Non-Claiming Series, worth $33,100 and $45,100, respectively, were won by Singolemaltwhiskey (Jason Bartlett, $3.60) in a life-best 1:56.2, and Tuff E Nuff (Eric Abbatiello, $5.40, part of entry) in 1:55.
Yonkers offers a five-night-per-week live harness schedule, with first post every Monday (including Memorial Day), Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:40 PM. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.
BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway
YONKERS, NY, Friday, May 16, 2008 -- Prior to Friday night, the last time co-owner and trainer Ray Schnittker drove the veteran Armbro Barrister was late March, when the pair aired in a hish-conditioned event.
The duo staged a rainy reunion at Yonkers Raceway and came away with a 13-1 upset in the co-featured, $30,000 Open Handicap Trot.
After track record-holder (and slight 9-5 race favorite) Victor's Vicky (Jordan Stratton) jumped it off at the outset, second choice No More Gold N (Greg Grismore) made the lead from his assigned eight-hole.
Clearaway (Stephane Bouchard, the usual driver of "Barrister") settled second, with Longpond Emily (Jim Marohn) third. Armbro Barrister, meanwhile, leaving from post No. 7, was last among those who left the gate in good order.
No More Gold N led through intervals of :29, :59.1 and 1:28.4. I'm a Sakra (Jason Bartlett) offered a long, uncovered bid before breaking. Enjoy the Victory (Jack Baggitt Jr.) also misbehaved from second over, while Armbro Barrister--slipping out third-over--was rolling.
No More Gold N took a length-and-a-half lead into the lane, but the "Barrister" had the law on his side. He stormed by, winning by a length-and-a-quarter in 1:59. No More Gold N, Clearaway, Tell Me a Story (Jeff Gregory) and I'm a Sakra (sixth-placed-fifth) completed the cashers.
For Armbro Barrister, a 7-year-old Malabrar Man gelding co-owned (with Schnittker) by Kelk's and Earl Scheelar, he returned $28.80 (sixth choice) for his third win in a dozen seasonal starts. Armbro Barrister--career cash now nearing $630,000--led a $152 exacta and $901 triple.
The co-featured, $30,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace proved a case of wet chalk, as 1-2 choice Benear (Gregory) had few issues.
Leaving from post No. 6, she stepped around Brickyard Trouble (Ray Baynes) before a :27.3 opening quarter-mile. After a :58-second intermission and 1:26.3 three-quarrers, Benear was nearly three lengths to the good turning for home.
She easily held Brickyard Trouble at bay, winning by 3 3/4 lengths in 1:56.1. Miss Galvinator A (Jim Marohn), Whambam N (Jim Marshall III) and Reconquete (Bartlett) scrummed for the scraps.
For Benear, a 5-year-old daughter of Badlands Hanover, she returned $3 for her third win in 13 '08 tries. The lass was co-owned by David Scharf & Jerry Silva and trained by Carl Cito Jr.. The exacta paid $22.20 (two faves), with the triple worth $113.50.
Yonkers offers a five-night-per-week live harness schedule, with first post every Monday (including Memorial Day, May 26), Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:40 PM. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting--including Saturday's 133rd running of the Preakness Stakes from Pimlico--around the NYRA schedule.
BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway
World Cup Trot Series Visits Yonkers Tuesday
YONKERS, NY, Friday, May 16, 2008 -- The World Cup of Amateur Racing stops at Yonkers Raceway Tuesday nigbt (May 20), with a dozen drivers from a dozen countries compeiting in a pair of trotting events.
Post time for the 11-race card is 7:40 PM, with the pair of World Cup events--worth $6,000 and $7,000, respectively--going as races 2 and 3.
The World Cup, staged every couple of years, returns to the United States for the first time since 1988.
Yonkers is the fourth venue in this series. It begins this (Friday) evening at Maywood Park and continues in Chicagoland at Balmoral Park Saturday night before an afternoon trip to Monticello Monday. After leaving Westchester, there's a Jersey doubleheader Wednesday, with Freehold by day and the Meadowlands by nigbt.
The pair of Yonkers' fields, with drivers and morning-line odds
Second race--1-Sweet Night (Andreu Oliva Suau, Spain, 3-1); 2-Colonial Mansion (Jurgen von Holdt, Germany, 5-1), 3-O'Finnegan (Teddy Wang, Denmark, 6-1); 4-Star Meadow (Tamas Kelemen, Hungary, 8-1); 5-Movie Maiden (Christian Mayr, Austria, 8-1); 6-Boom (Alle Loman, Czech Republic, 6-1); 7-Respectmyauthority (Fred Handelaar, the Netherlands, 10-1); 8-Dan (Bjorn Stenseth, Norway, 5-1).
Third race--1-Paradise Quikie (Jurgen von Holdt, Germany, 4-1); 2-Deep Seas (Antonio Valente, Canada, 5-1); 3-Homestead Branded (David Siegel, USA, 5-2); 4-Norse Hall (Robert Mellsop, Australia, 6-1); 5-Don't Fence Me (Gavin Cook, New Zealand, 8-1); 6-Hettie's Hope (Fred Handelaar, the Netherlands, 10-1); 7-Indian Hill Laser (Bjorn Stenseth, Norway, 8-1). 8-Sundance Kid G (Teddy Wang, Denmark, 10-1).
Next Friday night, the Raceway hosts the Mildred Williams International Driving Series, a ladies-only event for the benefit of breast cancer research.
Yonkers offers a five-night-per-week live harness schedule, with first post every Monday (including Memorial Day, May 26), Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:40 PM. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting--including Saturday's 133rd running of the Preakness Stakes from Pimlico--around the NYRA schedule.
By: Frank Drucker, Yonkers Raceway Publicity Director
Rain Train Wins $30K Open Pace
YONKERS, NY, Saturday, May 10, 2008 -- Friday night at Yonkers Raceway, it rained rain. Saturday night at Yonkers Raceway, it rained Rain Train.
Rain Train survived a tough, first-over effort to win the featured $30,000 Open Handicap Pace, going over the $200,000 career earnings plateau in the process.
With Jason Bartlett driving for trainer Robert Sumner, Rain Train--handed post position No. 3--watched from an early fourth as Bob's Alibi (Greg Grismore) stepped on the expensive gas.
"Bob" found a :27.2 opening quarter-mile, :57.2 intermission and 1:25.1 three-quarters before Rain Train took his shot. He engaged Bob's Alibi in and out of the final turn, gaining the advantage before 14-1 proposition Secluded Island (Jim Meittinis) began his rally.
However, Rain Train found the end zone when he needed it, getting to the line a neck before Secluded Island in a season's-best 1:53.
Ghee's House (Catello Manzi), the 2-1 favorite, closed enough to grab the bottom of the ticket, with Forest Vic A (Steve Smith) and Mr. P B N (Eric Abbatiello) mining the morsels. Bob's Alibi faded to sixth, beating only Runover Feelling (Stephane Bouchard).
For Rain Train, a 5-year-old Jenna's Beach Boy gelding co-owned (with his trainer) by Gary Paganelli, hs returned $12.60 (fourth choice) for his second win in six seasonal starts. The exacta paid $138, with the triple worth $592.
'Twas bombs away at the ol' Raceway Saturday, with the average win mutuel a studly $20.96 for the dozen races.
Borilla, dismissed at 61-1, led the legion of longshots, getting up from second-over for driver Smith at a crisp $124. It was the second triple-digit winner in the past three racing programs. Thursday night, Gretamaro N (Jordan Stratton), sent postward withe very few supporters at 69-1, overcame the eight-hole to return $141.
Yonkers offers a five-night-per-week live harness schedule, with first post every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:40 PM. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.
By: Frank Drucker
Tremendous Hit, JK Pure Pearl Win Friday 30K Co-Features
YONKERS, NY, Friday, May 9, 2008 -- An invincible invader and a Westchester workhorse won Friday night's soggy, $30,000 co-features at Yonkers Raceway.
Tremendous Hit, out every step, grinded by in the Open Handicap Trot. With trainer/driver Joe Anderson accompanying from the Land of Lincoln, Tremendous Hit--in his first start at a track not named Balmoral since last October--floated out from post positiion No. 6.
Armbro Barrister (Stephane Bouchard) and Nahcotta Jude (Jim Marohn) played leapfrog on the lead through a :28.1 opening quarter-mile. Beach Nut Brand (Jeff Gregory) tried to leave, but jumped it off and was banished to the back of the bus.
"Barrister" motioned a :59 intermission and 1:28.1 three-quarters, with Tremendous Hit methodically marching along and last week's winner, No More Gold N (Greg Grismore), on his back.
Armbro Barrister took a length-and-a-half lead into the lane, but was about to get waterlogged. Tremendous Hit, the 17-10 favorite, surged to the lead, edging to win by 1 1/4 lengths in 1:57.3. Beach Nut Brand, regrouping from the early misbehave, closed from third-over to snap No More Gold N for second.
Armbro Barrister and Tell Me a Story (Jim Pantaleano) completed the cashers.
For Tremendous Hit, owned by Gerrie Tucker and making his first small-track try since 2006, he returned $5.40 for his sixth win in 14 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $42, with the triple worth $139.50.
Friday nigbt's co-featured Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace saw J K Pure Pearl (Jason Bartlett) take it the house for a third consecutive victory.
Leaving from post No. 7 (in one notch after Whambam N was a judges' scratch), J K Pure Pearl stepped around Miss Galvinator A (Marohn) and a :28.1 opening quarter-mile. The suspense was over right there, as the 6-5 fave held sway through a :59.3 intermission and 1:28 three-quarters.
She found the wire in 1:56.4, a half-length before Benear (Gregory), who put in a good, two-move effort. Miss Galvinator A held third in her first purse try since early March, while Brickyard Trouble (Ray Baynes)--first-up yet again--and Bliss N Vinegar (Mike Forte) grabbed the final pay envelopes.
For J K Pure Pearl, a 4-year-old daughter of Bettor's Delight, she returned $4.50 for her eighth win in a dozen '08 tries. Linda Toscano trained the lass for co-owners William Jacobowitz, 3 Brothers & Camelot Stables. The exacta paid $11, the triple returned $33.40 while the superfecta was cancelled.
Marohn was presented with a congratulatory sign on the occasion of his 5,000th career driving victory. The 60-year-old Marohn, who reached the milestone Thursday afternoon at Monticello, was joined in the winner's circle by family and friends. He is nearing $35 million in career purses.
Yonkers offers a five-night-per-week live harness schedule, with first post every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:40 PM. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.
BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway
Special Report Wins Levy Final
Special Report and friends after winning the George M. Levy Final. Photo coutrtesy of Mike Lizzi
YONKERS, NY, Saturday, May 3, 2008 -- Saturday's most important horse race--save for the one involving mint juleps, millinery and an old Kentucky home--was undoubtedly Yonkers Raceway's $390,000 final of the George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series.
Special Report, in a case of turn about being fair play, became harness racing newest millionaire, winning the '08 Levy in the mist and out of the pocket in 1:51.4.
A year ago in the final, he cut the mile from the eight-hole, only to be overtaken--out of the pocket--by Maltese Artist, who prevailed in 1:51.
This night belonged the 6-year-old Keystone Raider gelding, with Larry Stalbaum driving for owner Hufgo Iodice and trainer Kim Asher.
Leaving from post position No. 2, Special Report quickly stepped around pole-sitting Tarver Hanover (Jason Bartlett) before giving up the gauntlet to Took Hanover (Greg Merton). That one had nose on gate from post No. 6 and had the advantage at the :26.2 opening quarter-mile.
"Took" continued to book through a :54 1 intermission before 13-10 favorite Panaramic Art (George Brennan) moved from third. He engaged Took Hanover through a 1:22.2 three-quarters. Mypanmar (Tim Tetrick) was gapping a bit second-over.
Took Hanover led turning for home, but his welcome was about to be rescinded. Panaramic Art wrested a short lead, but not before Special Report was carried where he needed to go.
He ducked inside, edging past Panaramic Art by a length. The one photoed Mypanmar for second, with Tarver Hanover and Took Hanover completing the cashers. Rare Jewel (Stephane Bouchard), Radar Installed N (Jordan Straaon) and Palone Ranger (Catello Manzi) were the back markers.
Special Report returned $7 as the second wagering choice. with the exacta paying $42.60 and the worth $101. It was the 47th win in 91 career starts for Special Report, who began his career on the Michigan fair circuit. The $195,000 winner's share raised his lifetime bankroll to $1,011,887.
"I made up my mind going in that Took Hanover was the only horse I was going to follow," Stalbaum said. "I knew he'd carry me. My horse just tries every start, and to get to the million dollars, well that's all him. He loves to compete and loves to win."
The Free-For-All event, named in honor of the founder of Roosevelt Raceway, offered five weeks of preliminary rounds prior to the final. The purse was rhe richest in harness racing to this point in the season.
The $100,000 series consolation was won by Bono Bests and driver Pat Berry, who prevailed in 1:53 and paid $3.60 as the odd-on favorite.
Yonkers offers a five-night-per-week live harness schedule, with first post every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:40 PM. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.
$390,000 George M. Levy Pacing Series Final
2008 Finalists, listed in post position order
1-TARVER HANOVER (Jason Bartlett, 10-1)—7-year-old son of Ball and Chain; authored the biggest surprise of the preliminary rounds when he won a three-way photo at better than 23-1 two weeks ago; that stunner (his lone win of ’08 to date) turned out to be crucial, as “Tarver” wound up with just one more point than Psilvuheartbreaker for eighth and last berth in final—where he wound up outdrawing everyone; life-best 1:49.2 taken last Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands; 27-year-old driver Jason Bartlett won his 2,000th career race last month; the Augusta, ME, native has burst upon the local scene in a back-and-forth battle with perennial Yonkers’ leader Stephane Bouchard for ’08 honors; Roy Dinges, 30, a native of Carlisle, PA, has been “Tarver’s” trainer since the beginning.
2-SPECIAL REPORT (Larry Stalbaum, 7-2)—6-year-old gelded son of Keystone Raider; iron-tough, front-end specialist is making 91st career start this evening, having hit the board in 78 of first 90; twice a winner, with two seconds, in his five ’08 series prelim events; cut the mile in 475G final of ’07 Levy, but was beaten (by a half-length) out of pocket by Maltese Artist; that night, he paced the fastest non-winning mile (1:51) in Yonkers’ history; career winner of more than $800,000 began in humble environs of Michigan fair circuit; 44-year-old driver Larry Stalbaum, a native of Valparaiso, IN, earned a personal-single-season best $3.3 million in purses in 2007; he partners with 37-year-old trainer Kimberly Asher, originally from Lansing, MI, to oversee of sport’s most potent stables.
3-PANARAMIC ART (George Brennan, 5-1)—4-year-old Hot Pans gelding; earned his berth in Levy final with a win (1:52.3), two seconds and an eighth-placed-seventh in four prep races; pride of Iowa who burst onto racing scene with 20 consecutive victories from July ’07-Feb. ‘08; three of those wins came here in overnight competition; purchased by current connections last October; won three Meadowlands series ($60,000 Oil Burner, $83,700 Clyde Hirt and $75,700 Exit 16W—life-best 1:49.4); Levy has been first go-round against Free-For-All competition and he’s acquitted himself very well; 41-year-old driver George Brennan, a native of Monticello, NY, is closing in on 5,400 career wins to go along with more than $80 million in purses; Brennan, who won ’06 Yonkers Trot here, completing Glidemaster’s Triple Crown, is a perfect 9-for-9 driving Panaramic Art, all at Meadowlands; trainer Al Meyer, 50, from Bakersfield, CA, now based in Colts Neck, NJ, became “Art’s” trainer after sale.
4-MYPANMAR (Tim Tetrick, 3-1)—7-year-old son of The Panderosa; compiled a win (1:53.2) and a trio of thirds in his five ’08 Levy preliminaries; a career millionaire after the 2007 season; biggest win of career was the $480,000 Monticello NYC OTB Gold Rush last July (track-record 1:51.2) with John Campbell driving; was second (to Lis Mara) in $830,370 final of 2006 Canadian Pacing Derby at Mohawk, week after taking life-best 1:48.3, winning Derby elim at nearly 30-1; Tim Tetrick, a 26-year-old native of Flora, IL, won his 4,000th career race earlier this week at the Meadowlands; he turned the sport into his own personal playground in ’07; with world records in wins (1,189 races) and earnings (purses in excess of $18.3 million), including a win in Yonkers’ richest race ever—the million-dollar final of the Art Rooney Pace--with Southwind Lynx; 42-year-old trainer Virgil Morgan Jr., from Columbus, OH, has branched out from his Midwest base to became major player in major circuits; a year ago, his stable was fifth in North American wins (288) and sixth in purses (more than $4.2 million).
5-PALONE RANGER (Catello Manzi, 8-1)—5-year-old son of Western Ideal; made money in all five Levy legs, with his lone ’08 win (1:52.2), a third, two fourths and one fifth-place finish; though a winner of just nine career races, would become a millionaire with at least a fourth-place finish in tonight’s series final; biggest victory came right here, upsetting at 10-1 with Ron Pierce driving in the ’06 Messenger ($546,830), part of richest racing program in Yonkers’ history; 57-year-old Hall of Famer Catello Manzi, a native of Monticello, NY, is closing in on 13,000 career wins (second all-time) with more than $128 million in purses; he won ’07 Yonkers Trot (his third) with Green Day; trainer Greg Peck, 44, originally from Sydney Mines, NS, enjoyed success last season with soph pacing filly Lady Mattgalane.
6-TOOK HANOVER (Greg Merton, 5-2)—5-year-old son of The Panderosa whose 1:51.1 effort in Round 2 is the fastest local mile of the season; saw a four-race winning streak—including his first three Levy starts--end with a fourth-place finish in last week’s final prep; owns a pair of 1:49 life-bests, taken at the Meadowlands in both 2006 ($125,000 division of Oliver Wendell Holmes) and ’07; 34-year-old driver Greg Merton, a native of East Meadow, NY, has put together four consecutive million-dollar-plus purse seasons from 2004-07; 46-year-old Aussie trainer Noel Daley is best known as man behind standout trotter Mr. Muscleman.
7-RARE JEWEL (Stephane Bouchard, 12-1)--7-year-old gelded son of Artiscape; in-the-money all four series appearances with a win (1:52) , a second and two thirds; has seven consecutive board finishes (all here, 2 wins, 3 seconds, 2 thirds); would become a career millionaire with a win tonight; a year ago, won the $239,700 MolsonPace at Western Fair; life-best 1:49 was taken in November, ’05, at Woodbine; Stephane Bouchard, a 41year-old native of Montreal with more than 6,400 wins and $47 million in purses, has won the last five Yonkers’ seasonal driving titles; set personal-bests in ’07 with 814 wins and $7.6 million in purses; trainer Rich Banca, 33, from Paterson, NJ, has enjoyed a half-dozen million-dollar seasons since 2000.
8-RADAR INSTALLED N (Jordan Stratton, 20-1)—6-year-old Down Under Armbro Operative gelding; began his North American racing career in this series; started in all five legs, with a fifth, fifth-place-fourth, fourth and a pair of seconds; shows 10 wins and more than $82,000 in foreign earnings; at age 20, driver Jordan Stratton has already compiled quite a local resume; began the week seventh in Yonkers’ ’08 driver standings and last week, guided Victor’s Vicky to a new, all-age trot track record (1:55.2); since start of ’07, while driving regularly at Monticello by day and Yonkers by night, has won more than 440 races and $2.7 million in purses; the second of two finalists from trainer Virgil Morgan Jr. (see Mypanmar), but the pair shall race uncoupled due to bona fide separate ownership.
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