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Friday, August 1, 2014

YONKERS HOSTS 200G NYSS JIM MEAGHER PACE

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.