BY FRANK
DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway
YONKERS, NY, Thursday, September 11,
2014—With Yonkers Raceway hosting the 25th edition of the New York
Night of Champions Saturday night, driver Jason Bartlett—who has dates in every
race—discussed his assignments.
The $1.8 million event, richest night of
racing in the state, offers eight, $225,000 sire stakes finals for 2-and
3-year-olds of both sexes and gait (races 5 through 9 on the 13-race program).
Once again, each race is sponsored by a prominent Empire State breeding farm,
and there is a $10,000 guaranteed pool Pick 5, 50-cent base wager races 5
through 9).
As for Bartlett…
Crawford Farms 2-Year-Old Filly
Trot (2nd race)—Zanna Blu (head number 3, post 2)…”I’ve never
driven her before. I know she has good gate speed and a good spot. Ideally, you
want to try and hold early position.”
Cameo Hills Farm 3-Year-Old
Filly Pace (3rd race)—Spreester (post 1)…”I’m not surprised she
was the points leader (overall 6-for-14, $134,330). She’s versatile and
obviously, the draw helps. If nothing crazy happens, she should be right
there.”
Winbak Farm 2-Year-Old Filly
Pace (4th race)—Bossers Joy (HN 2, post 4)…”Well, at least I’m
right next to Ron Burke’s three (Band of Angels, Sassa Hanover and Bettor N
Better drew the inside three slots). (Trainer) Kevin (McDermott) says his filly
has some talent, but this is tough.”
Stirling Brook Farms 3-Year-Old
Filly Trot (5th race)—L Dee’s Scripture (HN 1, post
2)…”Obviously, (defending NYSS champ) Market Rally is the one to beat. When I
drove my filly here earlier, she did come home (from post 6) in :28.1. I figure
she’s going to be much closer in this race.”
Morrisville College Equine
Institute 2-Year-Old Colt/Gelding Trot (6th race)—Insomniac
(post 8)…”Can I get a do-over with the draw? I really think this is toughest
race of the eight, anyone can win. My horse has speed, but so does everyone
inside of me. He hasn’t made any mistakes, but he’s going to have to earn it
from out there.”
Blue Chip Farms 3-Year-Old
Colt/Gelding Pace (7th race)—Moliere Hanover (HN 6, post
7)…”He’s alright from off the pace, but there’s going to have to seriously mix
it up on the lead. All Best Off is definitely the one to beat, and he starts
next to me (post 6).”
Genesee Valley Farm 2-Year-Old
Colt/Gelding Pace (8th race)—Oneisalonelynumber (post 7)…”I
don’t know anything about him, but I can go back and watch the replays. There
are some chicken lines (breaks) and zeros (parked out races) on his card, and
the draw doesn’t help.”
Allerage Farm 3-Year-Old
Colt/Gelding Trot (9th race)—Lukas Hall (HN 1A, post 6)…”He’s up
against two very good trotters (defending sire stakes champ Flyhawk El Durado
and Gural Hanover, who is a common-ownership entrymate of”Lukas”). I’ve driven
him twice and he made break both times. I’d like to think if he trots, he can
get a share.”
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.
