BY FRANK
DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway
YONKERS, NY,
Thursday, July 31, 2014—New York Sire Stakes continued downstate Thursday
night, with Yonkers Raceway hosting the month-ending $200,900 Jim Meagher Pace
for 2-year-old colts and geldings. The quintet of races honored the memory of
the Raceway’ long-time corporate controller, with his family making winner’s
circle presentations.
Here’s the
skinny…
First ($39,900)
division—Odds-on Southwind Masimo (Pat Lachance, $3.80), starting from post
position No. 4, rolled from second-over in 1:56.1. Oneisalonelynumber (Jim
Morrill Jr.) cut the mile and beaten a length-a-quarter. Play the Field
(Yannick Gingras) was third.
The winner, a
son of Bettor’s Delight trained by Lachance for co-owners Hudson Standardbred
and Conrad Leber, is now 2-for-2. Exacta…$10.80, triple (three wagering faves
in order) …$40.40
“He can settle,
and once he gets going, he does kick in late,” Lachance said.
Second ($39,900)
division—Bet You (Gingras, $2.70) fooled very few from post No. 6, going the
distance in 1:56.4. We Think Alike (Jordan Stratton) was a best-of-rest second,
with Maurice (Lachance) third.
The winner,
another son of Bettor’s Delight trained by Jimmy Takter for co-owners Christina
Takter, John & Jim Fielding and Joyce McClelland, broke his maiden in his
third career start. Exacta…$11.20, triple $6.
“(Bet You) was
ready early,” Gingras—who baby-raced him three times—said, “I could have tucked
third, but then I’d have to come first-up, so I just drove on.”
Third ($40,600)
division—With 1-5 support going to the previously-perfect, pole-sitting
Freedomformysoul (Morrill Jr.), it was second choice Cartoon Daddy (Gingras,
$13)—from post No. 4--patrolling the pocket to Rockntouch (Brett Miller). He
then ripped out of same to win by a couple of lengths in a
life-best/night’s-fastest 1:53.4.
Lone Survivor
(Eric Carlson) was second, with K Ryan Bluechip (Brian Sears) third and Berkley
(Scott Zeron) fourth.
As for
Freedomformysoul, he was rank behind the gate, broke, rushed to catch the
field, raced first-up, tired and eventually left the course. Nearly $8,500 of
the $9,350 in the show pool went down with him.
The winner, a
son of Art Major co-owned (as Burke Racing) by (trainer) Ron Burke and Joe
DiScala Jr., is now 3-for-4 this season. He rebounded from an odds-on break of
his own in the final of the Lawrence B. Sheppard Pace. Exacta…$157,
triple…$476, superfecta…$7,614.
“Tonight was the
first time I’ve driven him, but I’ve raced against him and I know he has the
talent,” Gingras said.
Fourth ($39,900)
division—Americanprimetime (Tyler Buter, $4.60), 13-10 here after a 78-1 win at
Monticello, made one decisive move here. From post No. 2, he brushed to the lead
at the quarter, then stormed home by 2¾ lengths in a life-best 1:55.2. Betting
Exchange (Morrill Jr.) was second, with Suchasenseofhumor (Gingras) third.
The winner, a
homebred son of American Ideal owned by Rock&Roll Stable and trained by
Rick Dane, has won two of his three first-season starts. Exacta…$26.60,
triple…$56.50.
“After he
made the lead, he was just looking around for a horse to race,” Buter
said.
Fifth ($40,600)
division—Prices finished first and second, with Azorean Art (Morrill Jr.,
$40.60), from post No. 6, prevailing from second-over in a maiden-breaking
1:57.3. Nobettorplacetobe (Aaron Byron) was a pocket second at 45-1, with
K-Rock (Gingras third). Sicily (Sears) faded to fourth at just-over even money.
Exacta…$797, triple…$1,838, superfecta…$35,595 (base $2 payout).
The winner, an
Art Major colt, is trained by Jimmy Takter for co-owners Christina Takter,
Brixton Medical Ab, Hatfield Stables and Lothlorien.
New York Sire Stakes continue Monday
night, with $221,000 Joe Goldstein Trot (3-year-old fillies).
The Raceway's
five-night-per-week live schedule continues, with first post every Monday,
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:10 PM. Evening simulcasting
accompanies all live programs, with afternoon
simulcasting
available daily.
