Drea’s Good Powow captures fillies and mares feature at Vernon.

Drea’s Good Powow (John MacDonald) would take the fillies and mares featured pace ($9,000) at Vernon Downs on Friday night (September 29).

Tiger Boudoir (Truman Gale) would lead the way to a first quarter in :27.0, Bye Bye Michelle (Chris Lems) would then controll the way all the way to the stretch.

Drea’s Good Powow (Sqauw’s Fella) would charge late in the stretch and just get by at the wire in 1:53.4.  Owned by the J P Stables and trained by MacDonald, the 7 year-old mare, would pay $5.60 for the victory.  It was her seventh win this season and her 26^th career victory.

Bye Bye Michelle would hang on for second and Love Live Laugh would get third.

MacDonald would win three more on the night.  He picked up his other wins with Napper Tandy ($4.20), Celebrity Stimulus ($6.00), Steuben Magic Ride ($5.10).

Skyflex (Chirs Lems) would take the trot feature ($7,500).

Six Bax (Jim Taggart Jr.) would lead to the first quarter in ;27.0.  Mc Tiny’s Hope (Ben McNeil) would then take the lead and hit the half in :56.2.  It was then Landonfitz (Jimmy Whittemore) who would takeover and hit three-quarters in 1:25.3.

Skyflex (Federal Flex) would go on a break after the start and would find himself last.all the way through three-quarters.  Owned by Oppenheimer, Glasser Racing and Cooper Stables while trained by Homer Hochstetler, the four year old gelding would make a five wide move and go from last to first to win in 1:55.2.

The Big Muscle (Joe Nassimos) would take second with Thundercrest (John MacDonald finishing third.

Skyflex ($3.30), would win for the seventh time this season and would grab career win number 13.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday (September 30).  The 10 race card begins at 6:45 p.m.

NEWBORN SASSY WINS FRIDAY NIGHT 50G DISTAFF DERBY

BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Friday, September 29, 2017—Favored Newborn Sassy (Jordan Stratton, $4.30) stalked, then starred, from second-over Friday night (Sept. 29^th), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $50,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace.

Unhurried early form post position No. 6 (in one notch after a defection), Newborn Sassy saw Betabcool N (Eric Goodell) through down a reasonable early gauntlet (:27.2, :56.2).

Delightful Dragon (Brent Holland) then moved from fourth going toward a 1:24.2 three-quarters.

Betbacool N had a length-and-a-half to play with in and out of the final turn, but playtime was about to end. Newborn Sassy launched around her stagnant tow, then mowed down the leader. The margin was three-quarters of a length in a flat 1:53. Betabcool N held second over a pocketed Dewar N Soda (Eric Abbatiello), with Lispatty (George Brennan) and a returning Diva’s Image (Pat Lachance) rounding out the payees.   

For ‘Sassy,’ a 4-year-old daughter of Western Ideal co-owned by (trainer) Jim King Jr and CC Racing, it was her seventh win in a dozen seasonal starts (career earnings in excess of $700,000). The exacta (two wagering choices) paid $12.60, with the triple returning $98

Manchego Maintains Record in Bluegrass

By Ray Cotolo, for The Red Mile

LEXINGTON, KY— Manchego won her ninth start in a row, taking the fifth of five divisions of the $330,000 Norman Woolworth Memorial Bluegrass Two-Year-Old Filly Trot, sponsored by Arden Homestead Stable, E.T. Gerry & Peter Gerry, Margareta Wallenius, Kleberg, Stoner Manor Inc., Menhammer Stuteri Ab, Continental Stables, Jorgen Jahre Jr., and LST Stables, on Friday, September 29 at The Red Mile.  

Sent off the 1-9 favorite, Manchego sat third through a :30.1 opening quarter before brushing to the top approaching the half, timed in :59.3. Pressured to three quarters by Ciao Dolce, who pulled first over moving around the turn, Manchego soon drew away from the field off a 1:29.2 clip to win by seven lengths in 1:56.1 over Ciao Dolce and Southwind Angelica.

Amassing $534,948 in earnings, Manchego, by Muscle Hill from the Cantab Hall mare Secret Magic, competes for the interests of Black Horse Racing, John Fielding, and Herb Liverman. Trained by Jimmy Takter and driven by Yannick Gingras, she paid $2.10 to win.

Sevenbuyeleven moved first over around the final turn to take the first division of the Bluegrass in 1:55.1.

Getting away third, Sevenbuyeleven sat off a :28.3 quarter set by White Cheetah, who yielded for the pocket as odds-on favorite Front Circle challenged for the front by the half in :58. Corey Callahan tipped Sevenbuyeleven wide moving into the turn, matching strides with Front Circle at three-quarters in 1:27.3 before taking the lead into the stretch, advancing two-and-a-half lengths clear of White Cheetah finishing second, with Front Circle back in third.

By Chapter Seven out of the Muscles Yankee mare Muscleini, Sevenbuyseven won her second race in seven starts, earning $59,267 for owner Kenneth Jacobs. Trained by Linda Toscano, she paid $12.80 to win in a lifetime-best effort.

Seven Karats remained on stride, reclaiming control approaching the wire to take the second Bluegrass division in 1:56.3.

Driver Scott Zeron positioned Seven Karats in the pocket behind pacesetter Nixie Volo, who put up fractions of :28.4 and :58.2 on an uncontested lead. Mooshka Stride, the 6-5 favorite, sat third as Dashanay moved first over, supplying cover to Sherrys Lady. Nixie Volo lost stride midway around the turn, with Dashanay soon going on a gallop, forcing Sherrys Lady three wide around the turn. Seven Karats inherited the lead at three-quarters in 1:28.4 with Sherrys Lady alongside in second.

Sherrys Lady took a narrow advantage in the stretch as Seven Karats, rough-gaited, dropped back to the inside. Into the sixteenth pole, Seven Karats retook the lead, finishing a neck in front of Sherrys Lady, with Mooshka Stride chasing in third.

Owned by Kenneth Jacobs and trained by Linda Toscano, Seven Karats, by Chapter Seven from the Deweycheatumnhowe mare Blue Diamonds, won his second race in nine starts, earning $59,905. She paid $14.60 to win.

Top Expectations won the third division of the Bluegrass in a near wire-to-wire performance, winning in 1:56.1.

Unchallenged through fractions of :29.3 and :59.3, Top Expectations was soon challenged by Lily Stride, moving wide from third around the turn, taking a narrow lead at three-quarters in 1:28.2. Top Expectations emerged on top in the stretch, kicking clear to a length-and-a-quarter victory with Lily Stride second, and Asa Ready To Glide, off a second-over trip, closing for third.

By Cantab Hall from the Kadabra mare Exceed Expectation, Top Expectations, paying $6.80 to win, won her third race in nine starts this season, collecting $201,378 for owner Daniel Plouffe. She is trained by Erv Miller and was driven by Marcus Miller.

Going off the 3-5 favorite, Seviyorum swept to a four-and-a-half length victory, taking her Bluegrass split in 1:56.2.

Sitting fourth as Wish I Was There parked to take the front through a :29.4 opening quarter, 

Seviyorum sat at the rail as Swing It Cathy contested for the front, leading at the half in 1:00.1. Andy Miller tipped the Julie Miller trainee first over entering the turn, rushing up to match strides with Swing It Cathy at three-quarters in 1:29.3 before sliding two lengths clear into the stretch and expanding her lead to the line. Swing It Cathy finished second, with Sarabi As, from second over, taking third.

Paying $3.20 to win, Seviyorum, by Donato Hanover from the Self Possessed mare Armbro Domino, won her third race in seven starts, earning $101,509 for owners Stroy Inc. and Andy Miller Stables Inc.

Grand Circuit racing at The Red Mile continues Saturday, September 30 with three divisions of the $262,700 Artspeak Bluegrass Two-Year-Old Filly Pace, presented by the Artspeak Syndicate and Hanover Shoe Farms, and four divisions of the $302,000 Western Ideal Bluegrass Stakes, sponsored by Hanover Shoe Farms and Brittany Farms. First-race post for the Saturday program is 7:00 p.m. EDT. 

OLDFORD WINS BILLINGS TROT WITH GONNA FLY AT THE RED MILE ON THURSDAY NIGHT

                   by john manzi for the Billings Series

Lexington, Ky--Patience my boy is what Steve “You’re Never Too”  Oldford was probably telling himself as he sat calmly in the catbirds seat with Gonna Fly as  “Hurricane Hannah” Miller and Pine Tab, slugged it out with Gregg “Fast Greggy” Keidel’s Tinder in the Billings trot at the Red Mile on Thursday evening, September 28. And after early fractions of :27.4 and :55.2 the leaders were all in.

The speed duel up front  was what the doctor ordered for Oldford as his charge enjoyed cover all the way to the top of the stretch before they rallied between horses to take command of the nine-horse as they headed for paydirt. Then in the deep stretch Oldford and his trotter went on to a solid 1:55:4 victory over “Hot Rod” Debeck’s Fairground Drama as the race leaders faded.

Third place went to Moon In My Shine with Julie “the former Hawkeye”Miller subbing from Dave “Linemaster” Ehrenberg who was still in Florida working to help locals damaged by the recent hurricane .

“Allen Sisco,( the horse’s trainer) shipped him all the way from Yonkers for the race tonight and though we’ve (Oldford Racing) owned him for nearly a year this is the first time that I sat behind him,” Oldford said referring to Gonna Fly.

“We sure got lucky with Hannah and Gregg going at it and they carried us to the homestretch where I found a seam between horses and when it opened I pulled the (ear)plugs and Gonna Fly exploded. I mean he really took off and we were easy winners.”

Sent off as the favorite in the race from the seven-hole Gonna Fly returned a $4.60 mutuel   As aforementioned , Gonna Fly is owned by Oldford Racing and trained by Allen Sisco.

For Steve Oldford, a former National Amateur Driver of the Year, it was his 12^th seasonal driving victory and the 128^th of his amateur career.

Slew of Sophomores Slide into Sunday Bluegrass

By Ray Cotolo, for The Red Mile

LEXINGTON, KY— The 14-race program at The Red Mile on Sunday, October 1 features harness racing stars such as Hambletonian Oaks-winner Ariana G, Meadowlands Pace-champion Huntsville, and Canadian Trotting Classic-winner What The Hill, all of which highlight a total of 11 Bluegrass divisions on the first afternoon card of the Grand Circuit fortnight.

Ariana G starts from post two in the second of three divisions of the $183,900 Cantab Hall Bluegrass Three-Year-Old Filly Trot, sponsored by Hanover Shoe Farms and Brittany Farms. The winner of 18 races over 22 starts matches up with Dream Together, who finished second to the Jimmy Takter-trained daughter of Muscle Hill, from the Cantab Hall mare Cantab It All, in the $315,700 Elegantimage Stakes. Owned by Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld, Yannick Gingras will drive the earner of over $1.5-million.

Jimmy Takter also sends Thats All Moni, a Cantab Hall filly out of the Pine Chip mare Mom’s Millionaire, in the first filly-trot split. A winner of eight races over 20 starts, she exits a fourth-place finish as the even-money favorite in the $160,000 Moni Maker stakes, and will start from post five for owners Brittany Farms, Marvin Katz, and Al Libfeld. Tim Tetrick drives the earner of $425,264.

The final filly-trot division attracts Dream Baby Dream, co-owned-trained and driven by Rod Allen. By Muscle Hill from the Andover Hall mare I Believe, the winner of three races in 18 starts is co-owned with Joe Palermo III. Earning $142,281, Dream Baby Dream will start from post four following a fourth-place finish in the Elegantimage Stakes.

Off a 1:49.1 victory in the Jenna’s Beach Boy at Hoosier Park, Huntsville, a Somebeachsomewhere colt from the Western Hanover mare Wild West Show, starts from post five in the second of three divisions of the $220,200 Somebeachcomewhere Bluegrass Three-Year-Old Colt and Gelding Pace, sponsored by the Somebeachsomewhere Syndicate and Hanover Shoe Farms. Owned by trainer Ray Schnittker along with partners Ted Gewertz, Steven Arnold, and Crawford Farms Racing, he has won 15 races over 24 starts in his career, earning over $1.6-million. Tim Tetrick will drive the 2016 freshman-pacing champion.

In against Huntsville is Filibuster Hanover, who won the Little Brown Jug in a mild upset, starting from post one. Ron Burke conditions the Somebeachsomewhere gelding, from the Western Hanover mare Fashion Ecstasy, for owners Burke Racing Stable, Joe Di Scala Jr., Jerry & Theresa Silva Stables, and Weaver Bruscemi. A winner of five races in 27 starts, Yannick Gingras steers the earner of $633,258.

Miso Fast leads the opening division of the colt pace. A son of Roll With Joe out of the Artsplace mare Sakura Hanover, the Ron Burke-trainee has won seven races in 30 starts, collecting $520,618 for owners Burke Racing Stables, Our Horse Cents Stables, Jerry & Theresa Silva Stables, and Weaver Bruscemi. Matt Kakaley will start with him from post five off a third-place finish in the final of the Little Brown Jug.

The final colt-pace split features Blood Line, a stand-out two-year-old during last year’s Grand Circuit season. Winning only one race this season, the Jimmy Takter-trained son of Somebeachsomewhere, from the Western Ideal mare Blood Diamond, has a total of three to his credit over 25 starts, compiling $240,039 in earnings for owner Diamond Creek Racing. Mark MacDonald will drive from post two.

Art Scene, runner-up to Downbytheseaside in the Messengers Stakes elimination and final, goes from post six against Blood Line. Following his Messenger efforts, the American Ideal colt, from the Artsplace mare Lover Of Art, blazed around Mohawk Racetrack, taking the $133,527 Simcoe Stakes in a lifetime-best 1:49.4, winning by five lengths. Winning three races over 15 starts, the Tony Alagna-trainee exits a fourth-place finish to Huntsville in the Jenna’s Beach Boy. Scott Zeron will drive the earner of $254,627 for owners Brittany Farms, Alagna Racing, In The Gym Partners, and American Art Stables.

Exiting a 1:51.4 victory in the $560,880 Canadian Trotting Classic, Ron Burke-trainee What The Hill headlines the third of three divisions of the $216,300 Explosive Matter Bluegrass Three-Year-Old Colt and Gelding Trot, presented by the Explosive Matter Syndicate and Hanover Shoe Farms, facing off against fellow Hambletonian finalists Devious Man, from post five, and International Moni, from post seven.

Positioned between, David Miller will start from post six with the Muscle Hill colt from the Angus Hall mare K T Cha Cha. Owned by Burke Racing Stable, Our Horse Cents Stable, Jerry & Theresa Silva, and Deo Volente Farms, What The Hill has won eight races in 24 starts, earning $719,612.

John Butenschoen sends a pair in the opening split of the colt trot, with Bill’s Mans starting from post three and Giveitgasandgo from post nine. Bill’s Man, a colt by Credit Winner out of the Yankee Glide mare Silver Springs, has won five races in 27 starts, earning $356,210 for owners William Wiswell and M&L of Delaware Inc. Off a fourth-place finish in the Canadian Trotting Classic after winning his elimination in 1:53.2, Corey Callahan is in the bike.

Giveitgasandgo, a ridgling by Yankee Glide from the Andover Hall mare Mazda Hanover, has won 12 races in 25 starts, collecting $420,089 for owners Harmony Oaks Racing Stables, David Miller, Lawrence Means, and Vip Internet Stable. Andrew McCarthy will drive.

Butenschoen’s other glamour boy trotter, Dover Dan, starts from post eight in the second Bluegrass colt-trot split. The colt by Andover Hall, from the Royal Troubador mare Cr Kay Suzie, enters off a second-place finish in the Canadian Trotting Classic, and has eight wins in total to his credit over 26 starts. Owned by William Wiswell, Jean Goehlen, and Eugene Schick, he has earned $474,645, and will be driven by Corey Callahan.

Sweeping the Jugette, Caviart Ally headlines the second of two divisions for the $177,500 Galleria Bluegrass Three-Year-Old Filly Pace, presented by Fashion Farms. The Noel Daley-trained daughter of Bettor’s Delight, from the No Nukes mare Allamerican Cool, has won eight races in 29 starts, including the $252,000 Pennsylvania Sires Stakes Championship, earning $585,000 for owner Caviart Farms. Andrew McCarthy will be in the bike from post one.

Racing sharply in the New York Sires Stakes all season, Tequila Monday highlights the opening split, starting from post three. Owned by Northfork Racing Stable and Chuck Pompey, the Chris Oakes-trained daughter of American Ideal, from the Ponder mare Margarita Monday, enters off a fourth-place finish in the Jugette final, following a second-place effort in the elimination. Winning 11 races in 22 starts and earning $485,898 in the process, David Miller will drive.

Sunday’s program at The Red Mile is the first matinee of the Grand Circuit meet, with races kicking off at 1:00 p.m. EDT, which will be the first-race post for the remainder of the meeting.

HUGH HEFNER (N) IS ALIVE AND WELL AND…

BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Thursday, September 28, 2017—Turns out the reports of Hugh Hefner’s death were greatly exaggerated.

Hugh Hefner N obviously didn’t read the obituaries  How else could we possibly explain a Yonkers Raceway’s appearance in Thursday night’s (Sept. 28^th) seventh race?

Granted, it was a sort of ghoulish hunch play, but Hugh Hefner N did deliver in the $15,000 event for 20-grand claimers. Opening as an odds-on favorite, he continued as the people’s preference, though drifting to 13-10.

Away third from post position No. 3, the Playboy Pacer engaged the leader in the final turn, taking over before holding a closer at bay by a neck in 1:55. A night after his namesake’s passing, ‘Hef’ returned $4.60 for his third win in 20 seasonal starts.

The 9-year-old Down Under Falcon Seelster gelding (somehow, that doesn’t seem right) was driven by Jason Bartlett and trained by Doug Dilloian Jr. for owner Keith Motusesky. 

Gimmesomeroom wins Fillies and Mares feature at Vernon.

Gimmesomeroom (Ben McNeil) took the Fillies and Mares ($6,000) featured pace at Vernon Downs on Thursday night (September 28).

Major Millie (John MacDonald) would take the early lead but Velocity Kelli (Joe Nassimos) would take over just before hitting the first quarter in :27.0.  Major Millie would re-take the lead and lead them to a half in :56.1.

Gimmesomeroom (Relentless Yankee) is owned by Ellen McNeil and trained by John McNeil III.  She would go first over and slingshot by to take the lead before hitting three-quarters in 1:24.2 and winning in 1:52.4.  The 8 year-old mare would win for the ninth time this season and would pick up career victory number 41.  Major Millie would hang on for second with Lipstick Taser (Gates Brunet) getting third

Ben McNeil would also get a win with Oh Mare Ahs Bella ($12.20) giving him a driving double.

81-1 shot Private Performanc shocks field.

Private Performanc (Claude Huckabone iii) was dead last after three quarters but the 6 year-old mare by Western Terror swooped by them all to win in 1:53.4.  Owned by Go Where The Money Is Stable and trained by Huckabone III, she would pay $164.00 to win.

John MacDonald would keep his dominance of the miracle mile by getting four more wins.  He would get victories with Always Flash-N ($3.80), A Lister ($3.50), ABC Crown Me Queen ($4.40), and Strike A Chord ($2.80).

Vernon Downs returns to live action on Friday (September 29) with a 10 race card starting at 6:45 p.m.

You Know You Do Delivers in Bluegrass

By Ray Cotolo, for The Red Mile

LEXINGTON, KY— Brushing to the lead after the half, Jimmy Takter-trainee You Know You Do cruised to a two-and-three-quarter length victory to take the first of five divisions of the $366,000 Bluegrass Two-Year-Old Colt and Gelding Trot, named “The Uncle Peter” sponsored by Hickory Lane Horse Farm, at The Red Mile on Thursday, September 28.

Driver Yannick Gingras positioned You Know You Do in third moving around the first turn, stalking a :29.3 opening quarter set by Dawson Springs, who eventually yielded to You Know You Do when he advanced uncovered through a :59.2 half to take the lead. In front through three-quarters in 1:27.4, You Know You Do strode clear of Dawson Springs chasing in second, with Don, off a rail trip, finishing third, in a mile timed in 1:54.4.

Winning his fifth race in nine starts, You Know You Do, by Muscle Hill out of the Credit Winner mare You Want Me, earning $362,574 for owners Howard Taylor, Order By Stables, Bud Hatfield, Marvin Katz, Al Libfeld, and Sam Goldband. He returned $2.20 to win.

Seven Iron pulled off a 12-1 upset off a second over trip, taking the second Bluegrass split in 1:55.3.

Toast Of Lindy led through a :29.3 opening quarter, with Johnny Victory getting away second and U Need Stones third. Heading to the half, U Need Stones circled to the lead, trotting a half in :58 while 6-5 favorite Patent Leather was flushed first over by Seven Iron approaching the turn.

With U Need Stones breaking on the lead heading to three-quarters, Patent Leather drifted wide to take the lead in 1:27.4 while Toast Of Lindy slid up the inside and Seven Iron rallied wide. Patent Leather maintained control in the stretch as Seven Iron veered in and out attempting to surpass the leader, managing to get a nose in front at the line while Johnny Victory checked in third.

By Chapter Seven from the Cantab Hall mare Beyond Blue, Seven Iron, returning $26.80 to win, won his second race in nine starts this season, compiling $84,765 in earnings for owner Kenneth Jacobs. Linda Toscano trains and Tim Tetrick was in the bike.

Commandeering the pace, Fashionwoodchopper held control through the line, progressing to a 1:53.1 victory in the third Bluegrass split.

Met’s Hall set the pace with a :27.4 first quarter, with For A Dreamer sitting the pocket. 

Fashionwoodchopper, fourth around the turn, edged first over, swooping to the lead following a :57.1 half, leaving Fourth Dimension uncovered around the turn, eventually to apply pressure to the new leader at three-quarters in 1:25. Fashionwoodchopper remained in front of Fourth Dimension as he struggled to pass in the stretch, settling for second while Met’s Hall chased the pair in third.

Competing for Fashion Farms LLC, Fashionwoodchopper, by Donato Hanover out of the Muscles Yankee mare Woodshopper, won his fourth race in seven starts, earning $204,618. Trained by Jim Campbell and driven by David Miller, he paid $10.60 to win.

Rushing off cover in the stretch, Crystal Fashion, also conditioned by Jim Campbell, emerged victorious by a nose in 1:53.2 to take the fourth Bluegrass division.

Sent the 7-5 favorite, Crystal Fashion floated away fifth as Can’t Afford It dictated an uncontested pace, going splits of :28.1, :57.2, and 1:25.4 with Farsetti Hanover drafting in the pocket. Tito, supplying cover to Crystal Fashion before the half, stalled turning for home as Crystal Fashion tipped three wide. Handily in front in the eighth pole, Can’t Afford It was soon challenged by Crystal Fashion flying alongside into the sixteenth pole, finishing second at the line while Farsetti Hanover chased in third.

A gelding by Cantab Hall from the Tagliabue mare Window Willow, Crystal Fashion won his third race in nine starts, earning $130,442 for owner Fashion Farms LLC. Driven by Tim Tetrick, he paid $4.80 to win.

Jimmy Takter took another Bluegrass split with Maxus, a Muscle Hill colt from the Enjoy Lavec mare Gerri’s Joy, in 1:54 as the even-money favorite.

Getting away third, Maxus sat off a :28.2 quarter set by Haveitalltogether. Moving into the backstretch, Tim Tetrick tipped Maxus wide to brush to the front, hitting the half in :56.4 and maintaining an uncontested lead through a 1:26 third-quarter.

Through the stretch, Maxus lead under a hand drive while room opened at the rail for Moosonee to trot into contention, taking second, and Sweet Talkin Hall trotted down the center of the track off cover to take third.

Owned by Christina Takter and Brixton Medical Inc., Maxus won his third race in 10 starts, earning $162,836. He paid $4.00 to win.

Grand Circuit racing resumes at The Red Mile on Friday, September 29 with the $330,000 Norman Woolworth Memorial Bluegrass Two-Year-Old Filly Trot, presented by Arden Homestead Stable, E.T. Gerry & Peter Gerry, Margareta Wallenius, Kleberg, Stoner Manor Inc., Menhammer Stuteri Ab, Continental Stables, Jorgen Jahre Jr., and LST Stables. First-race post is set for 7:00 p.m. EDT.

LONGSHOTS PREVAILED IN THE NAADA TROTS AT MONTICELLO

By john manzi for NAADA

Monticello, NY--It was bombs away in the NAADA trots at Monticello Raceway on Thursday afternoon (Sept. 28) when both winners ,each starting from the seven-hole, sparked exorbitant payoffs.

In the first division Tony Verruso  scored a 2:02.3 triumph with Sam’s Honeybee and returned a $76.50 mutuel while in the second split Paul Minore guided his old warhorse Wygant Prince  to a 1:59.3 victory which really lite up the toteboard when the veteran trotter paid $130.50-$27.40 and $14.20 across the board.

When the gate sprung in their split, which was arguably the better field of the two, Minore sent Wygant Prince away swiftly and they gained command midway around the first turn and then led the field by the first quarter in :28.3.

Once on top Wygant Prince marched steadily forward unchallenged by the half in :59. and past the third stanza in 1:29 before any realistic challenge developed. And when did it came from Tony Ciuffetelli  with favored Tropical Storm BI. But it was too late as Minore’s trotter crossed the finish line like an even money favorite.  Third place went to Brandos Music Man, driven by Monica Banca.

“I don’t always get a chance to ask him to leave because of various circumstances but today I took a shot and it proved to be fruitful,”Minore, a retired high school track coach, said referring to Wygant Prince. “He’s been racing real good lately so I thought I’d take a chance and seek the front. It turned out to be a winning move.”

Minore owns the winner, a 10-.year old SJ’s Photo gelding, who with this victory raised his lifetime earnings to over $365,000. He’s trained by Taylor Gower.

The other split was a ‘dogfight’ all the way to the wire as Tony Verruso’s Sam’s Honeybee showed tremendous grit in the deep stretch.

After getting away sixth some nine lengths off the leader Verruso erased three of those lengths as Sam’s Honeybee passed the halfway point, but still in sixth place. With a big a sweeping move up the backside  Sam’s Honeybee had on her trotting shoes and when they came off the final turn they were second on the far outside and then took command and braced for the challenge which came from Cassa’s Image (Jennifer Lappe)

With both drivers all-out urging their horses in the deep stretch Sam’s Honeybee prevailed by a head. Joe Lee and Woody were right there but had to settle for the show dough.

“My mare was really game in the stretch and we battled all comers right to the wire,” Verruso said of Sam’s Honeybee. “She’s always tough in the lane and she showed it today.”

Sam’s Honeybee, dismissed by the wagering public paid, $76.50-$18.80 and $6.10 across the board. She’s owned by Verruso and trained by Carl Gillespie.

USHWA LAUNCHES ITS NEW WEBSITE

From the U. S. Harness Writers Association

HARRISBURG PA---The United States Harness Writers Association has announced its new website is now up and running.

The site has gone through a complete make-over and is now state-of-the-art in terms of optics and functionality, with many enhancements that will make everyone’s user experience pleasant. It now has streaming ability and also a marketplace, where members can pay their dues and the organization can sell items such as Dan Patch Awards Banquet tickets, making these transactions much easier.

USHWA also now owns three domains for the site: ushwa.org, ushwa.com and ushwa.net. Any one of the three will get you to the same site.

"We are very excited about the release of our new website. Its look and versatility will enhance the user experience of our members as well as everyone in the racing community that visit it regularly," said Tim Bojarski, President of USHWA.

Although the site has published, it’s still a work in process, so bear with us if any glitches occur over the next few weeks. We do not expect any interruptions but cannot rule out the possibility. 

Holloway Barn Fronts Bluegrass Colt, Filly Pace

By Ray Cotolo, for The Red Mile

LEXINGTON, KY— Trainer Joe Holloway sends two of the top freshmen pacers this season, Closing Statement and Rainbow Room, to compete in the $302,000 Bluegrass Two-Year-Old Colt and Gelding Pace and $262,700 Bluegrass Two-Year-Old Filly Pace respectively on Saturday, September 30.

Rainbow Room, by Somebeachsomewhere from the Artiscape mare Rainbow Blue, goes in the first division of the Bluegrass Two-Year-Old Filly Pace, named “The Artspeak” and presented by Hanover Shoe Farms and the Artspeak Syndicate. A winner of six races in seven starts this season, Rainbow Room has amassed $311,199 in earnings for owners Crawford Farms Racing, Val D’Or Farms, and Ted Gewertz. The $100,000 Lexington-Select purchase exits a 1:52.2 win in the $240,000 Kentuckiana and will start from post six with David Miller driving.

Closing Statement competes in the second of four divisions of the Bluegrass Two-Year-Old Colt and Gelding Pace, named “The Western Ideal” and presented by Hanover Shoe Farms and Brittany Farms. Owned by Val D’Or Farms, Rojan Stables, and Ted Gewertz, the colt by Somebeachsomewhere from the Western Ideal mare Ideal Newton enters off three consecutive victories, having five total to his credit this season, earning $138,264 in the process. Purchased for $125,000 at the Harrisburg Yearling Sale last fall, Closing Statement will start from post four with David Miller driving.

The second division of the Artspeak features Betterthangraduate, a Ron Burke-trained daughter of Betterthancheddar from the Western Hanover mare Western Graduate. A winner of two races in nine starts this season, the $52,000 Harrisburg Yearling Sale purchase has banked $87,845 this season for owners Burke Racing Stable, Silva, Purnell, and Libby, Phillip Collura and Weaver Bruscemi. Matt Kakaley will drive.

Come See The Show, by Somebeachsomewhere out of the Rocknroll Hanover mare Put On A Show, faces undefeated Kentucky Sires Stakes (KYSS)-champion Band Stand in the final division of the Artspeak. Off a 1:51.1 third-place finish in the $405,000 She’s A Great Lady, Come See The Show, a winner of two races in six starts this season, will start from post one for trainer Linda Toscano and driver Tim Tetrick. The earner of $118,182 this season competes for the interests of Richard and Joanne Young.

Band Stand, winning all five of her outings, starts from post seven off a 1:52.4 win in the $250,000 KYSS final. A $40,000 Lexington-Select purchase, the filly by A Rocknroll Dance from the Artsplace mare Al’s Girl has earned $171,550 for owner Brad Grant. Tony Alagna trains and Joe Bongiorno will drive.

The opening division of the Western Ideal features I’m A Big Deal, a Somebeachsomewhere colt from the McArdle mare Big Mcdeal, who exits a fifth-place finish in the Metro Pace eliminations. A $300,000 Lexington-Select purchase, co-owner Chris Ryder conditions the winner of two races in seven starts for owners Craig Henderson and Robert Mondillo. Earning $17,260 this season, David Miller will drive from post two.

Locally-based Larry Karr races in the same division, going from post nine for owner-trainer C. Kevin Thomas and partner Jason Thompson. By A Rocknroll Dance from the Art Major mare Emily Car, the winner of three races in six starts this season exits a career-best 1:52.2 victory, winning by eight-and-a-quarter lengths in a two-year-old condition. Purchased for $35,000 at the Lexington-Select sale last fall, he has earned $6,000 this season. Tim Tetrick will drive.

Manverick, an undefeated New York-based colt by American Ideal from the Real Desire mare Desirable Cindy, battles KYSS runner-up Grand Teton in the third division of the Western Ideal. Starting from post one, the Jessica Okusko trainee enters off a 1:54.1 qualifier at Lexington, following his fifth-straight win, a 1:52.2 lifetime-best mile in a division of the Excelsior Series. Compiling $26,400 in earnings for owners M&L of Delaware, the $15,000 Lexington-Select purchase will be driven by Brian Sears.

Sent the 3-5 favorite in the KYSS Final, Grand Teton enters off a second-place effort from post 10 and will start from post seven for owner and breeder Diamond Creek Racing and trainer Jimmy Takter. A winner of five races in seven starts, the colt by A Rocknroll Dance from the Western Hanover mare Western Montana has amassed $125,000 in earnings this season. Mark MacDonald will drive.

The final division of the Western Ideal attracts Twin B Tuffenuff, the fourth-place finisher in the $660,960 Metro Pace. By Rock N Roll Heaven out of the Dragon Again mare In The Pink, he broke his maiden in the $32,800 Metro Pace eliminations, pacing in 1:51.1. Earning $77,764 for owner Marvin Rounick, the Steve Elliot trainee starts from post six with Brett Miller in the bike.

Post time for the final evening program of the Grand Circuit meet is set for 7:00 p.m. EDT. 

YONKERS RACEWAY OCTOBER SCHEDULE REMINDERS

BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Thursday, September 28, 2017—Yonkers Raceway is offering this reminder about some changes to its October live racing schedule.

It’s every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday night (first post @ 7:10 PM), except…

--Friday, Oct. 13^th, no racing (paddock used for New York ‘Day’ of Champions detention)

--Saturday, Oct. 14^th, first post @ 1 PM, featuring…

$1 million Yonkers International Trot @ Empire City Casino

$1.8 million New York ‘Day’ of Champions (eight NYSS finals @ $225,000 each)

$250,000 Harry Harvey Invitational Trot                                          

$250,000 Dan Rooney Invitational Pace

            --Sunday, Oct. 29^th, first post TBA (first of six remaining Sundays matinees

between then and end of season) 

AMATEUR DRIVERS PLAN VETERANS DRIVING CHALLENGE ON NOV. 9TH

Monticello, NY--On Friday, November 10 America will commemorate the valiant services of members of our armed forces with pageantry, speeches, parades and other various celebrations. But on the previous day, November 9^th, two local amateur clubs are planning an amateur driving challenge at Monticello Raceway as an impetus to raise money for the local veteran’s food banks.  However, since the Mighty M is dark on Fridays this year’s Veterans Driving Challenge is slated for Thursday, November 9.

This project is the brainchild of Alan Schwartz , the president of the Monticello Harness Horsemen’s Association who is also the vice president of the North American Amateur Drivers Association (NAADA).

“We have planned our own special tribute for those who served our country with honor by staging this Amateur Driving Challenge for veterans of our armed forces who are currently amateur drivers,” said Schwartz, a former US Marine. “NAADA is being joined in this worthwhile endeavor by the Catskill Amateur Drivers Club (CADC) and its president Gerry Fielding who was a longtime Army reservist. And at the end of the November 9^th racing program each amateur club will make a sizable donation to the Veterans Food Pantry of Sullivan County.

Although the amateur clubs have great ambitions this project couldn’t come to fruition without the help of Eric Warner, Monticello Raceway’s longtime director of racing.

The Veterans Amateur Driving Challenge is only open to former servicemen who are amateur drivers licensed by the U.S Trotting Association and/or the Canadian Trotting Association.

“This may not be an easy race to fill but once the word is out we’re hopeful of getting a good response from proud veterans who helped preserve the American way of life,” Schwartz added.

Last year there was enough response from veterans that two races were staged. Schwartz won one division while Irving Bluestein, who traveled all the way from the greater Boston Mass- area, to compete, won the other.

Anyone wanting more information, or to enter the event,  must contact Warner at Monticello Raceway by calling 845-794-4100 ext 557. Or contact Schwartz in the Monticello Horsemen’s organization office at 845-791-7747.

YONKERS INTERNATIONAL TROT @ EMPIRE CITY CASINO FIELD JUST ABOUT DONE

BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Wednesday, September 26, 2017—The field for the million-dollar Yonkers International Trot @ Empire City Casino is nearing completion.

According to race secretary Steve Starr, nine of the 10 places behind the starting gate for the Saturday afternoon, Oct. 14^th, mile-and-a-quarter classic have been finalized. They are, alphabetically (with country of representation)...

Dreammoko (FRA)

Marion Marauder (CAN)

Midnight Hour (FIN)

Oasis Bi (ITA)
On Track Piraten (SWE)

Resolve (USA, defending champion)

Shadow Woodland (FIN)

Tripolini VP (DEN)

Twister Bi (ITA).

Starr indicated the final invite shall go to an American in the next couple of days. Starr also said the fields for the pair of $250,000 Invitationals (Dan Rooney Pace and Harry Harvey Trot), are also about confirmed, with both races announced shortly.

            Those races, plus the $1.8 million New York ‘Day’ of Champions (eight NYSS finals @ $225,000 each), comprise the $3.3 million program the richest harness racing program ever in the Empire State.

            First post for the 11-race, all-stakes card is 1 PM.  

Undefeated Manchego Heads 30 in Bluegrass Filly Trot

By Ray Cotolo, for The Red Mile

LEXINGTON, KY— Jimmy Takter-trainee Manchego goes for her ninth-consecutive win in the fifth of five divisions of the $330,000 Bluegrass Two-Year-Old Filly Trot on Friday, September 29 at The Red Mile.

Starting from post three, the Muscle Hill filly out of the Cantab Hall mare Secret Magic has amassed $501,948 in earnings this season, including from wins in the $330,800 Jim Doherty Memorial, $252,000 Pennsylvania Sires Stakes (PASS) Championship, and $307,500 Peaceful Way Stakes. Purchased for $120,000 from Lexington Select, Yannick Gingras will drive for owners Black Horse Racing, John Fielding, and Herb Liverman.

Megadolce, winless in eight starts, tries for a maiden-breaking performance in the opening division of the Bluegrass. By Cantab Hall out of the Kadabra mare Bella Dolce, the Richard “Nifty” Norman trainee has earned $43,971 with seven on-the-board finishes this season. Andrew McCarthy drives for owner David Mc Duffee.

Front Circle, a Muscle Hill filly from Conway Hall mare Sheena Hall, is the 2-1 morning line favorite in the first division. A winner of two races in nine starts this season, the rough-gaited Ron Burke trainee has collected $72,232 in earnings for owners Burke Racing Stable, Silva, Purnell, and Libby, Michelle Yanek, and Weaver Bruscemi. Yannick Gingras drives the $110,000 Lexington-Select purchase from post two.

Charlie Norris-trained and driven Sherrys Lady moves from the Kentucky Sires Stakes (KYSS) into Grand Circuit competition, starting from post six in the second Bluegrass split. A Muscle Hill filly from the Andover Hall mare Fraction, Sherrys Lady has won twice in four starts this season, including a third-place finish in a preliminary of the KYSS prior to a 1:56.3 lifetime-best performance at The Red Mile. An $80,000 Lexington Select Purchase, Sherrys Lady races for interest Coyote Wind Farms.

Nixie Volo, another KYSS starter, looks to redeem a break in the $250,000 KYSS Final, matching up against Sherrys Lady, from post four. Winning two races in six starts this season, the John Butenschoen daughter of Yankee Glide from the Windsong’s Legacy mare No I’m Not has earned $39,000 this season for owners Kentuckiana Racing Stables, VIP Internet Stable, 83 Racing, and Eddie Gran. Corey Callahan drives the $22,000 Lexington-Select purchase.

The two KYSS starters will face 2-1 morning-line favorite Mooshka Stride, a Credit Winner filly from the Donato Hanover mare Check Me Out. A $260,000 Lexington-Select purchase by Emilio and Maria Rosati, Mark Harder trains the winner of one race in three starts, with her maiden-breaking score coming in a 1:55 mile in the Kindergarten Series at the Meadowlands. Andy Miller drives the earner of $8,000 this season from post two.

KYSS winner Top Expectations and runner-up Lily Stride battle in the third Bluegrass division. Top Expectations, by Cantab Hall from the Kadabra mare Exceed Expectations, has won twice in eight starts, most recently upsetting at 10-1 in the $250,000 KYSS final in a career-best performance of 1:54.1. Owned by Daniel Plouffe, the Erv Miller trainee has banked $168,378 this season, and will start from post six with Marcus Miller in the bike.

Lily Stride, sent off the 1-5 favorite in the KYSS final, was a neck shy of sweeping the series for owners Emilio and Maria Rosati and trainer Mark Harder. The Muscle Hill filly from the Donato Hanover mare Sterling Volo has won four races in seven starts this season, earning $167,152, and was also third to Manchego in the Jim Doherty Memorial. Purchased for $220,000 from Lexington Select, Andy Miller picks up the drive.

Full sister to Shake It Cerry, Swing It Cathy, attempts for her first win of the season in the fourth Bluegrass division, facing PASS competitor Seviyorum. By Donato Hanover out of the Yankee Glide mare Solveig, Swing It Cathy has earned $19,456 this season for owners Christina Takter and Solveig’s Racing Partners. The Jimmy Takter trainee will start from post six following a sixth-place finish in the $240,000 Kentuckiana and will be driven by Yannick Gingras.

Seviyorum, a winner of two races in six starts, starts from post one for owners Stroy Inc. and Andy Miller Stable Inc. Earning $68,509 this season, the Julie Miller-trained daughter of Donato Hanover from Self Possessed mare Armbro Domino enters off a second-place finish in a Kindergarten prelim at the Meadowlands. The hombred from Stroy Inc. will be driven by Andy Miller.

Post time for the second evening of the Grand Circuit fortnight is slated for 7 p.m. EDT. 

MEADOWLANDS RACING & ENTERTAINMENT WINS REGIONAL HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM AWARD

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (September 26, 2017) – Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment was awarded “Best Visitor Experience” at the 5^th Annual Meadowlands Liberty Convention & Visitors Bureau Hospi-tourism Awards held September 26 in Secaucus, New Jersey. Voting was conducted by Destination Marketing Organizations around the state.

MRE competed against dozens of area restaurants, hotels, and other entertainment venues.

“It has always been the foundation of our business to provide exceptional customer service while paying close attention to detail,” explained Jason M. Settlemoir, GM/COO of MRE. “We take great pride in our new facility and our ability to put on a great show for our guests whether they come here for live horse racing or one of our numerous events or parties. We have a tremendous team here that is always willing to go the extra mile for our customers and this award is truly an honor for everyone that works here.”

For more information, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.

You Know You Do Leads 41 in Bluegrass Kickoff

By Ray Cotolo, for The Red Mile

LEXINGTON, KY— Peter Haughton-winner You Know You Do will start from post one in the first of five divisions of the $366,000 Bluegrass Two-Year-Old Colt and Gelding Trot, presented by Hickory Lane Horse Farm and named for their stallion Uncle Peter, on the first day of the Grand Circuit fortnight at The Red Mile Thursday, September 28.

By Muscle Hill out of the Credit Winner mare You Want Me, You Know You Do enters off a second-place finish in both the elimination and the $328,000 final of the William Wellwood Memorial. The $350,000 Harrisburg Yearling Sale purchase has earned $326,074 with four wins over eight starts this season, and competes for owners Howard Taylor, Order By Stable, Bud Hatfield, Marvin Katz, Al Libfeld, and Sam Goldband. Jimmy Takter trains and Yannick Gingras will drive.

Julie Miller sends Toast Of Lindy, a Cantab Hall colt from the Credit Winner mare Bellini Lindy, in the second division of the Bluegrass. An $80,000 Lexington-Select purchase by owners Andy Miller Stable, Lindy Racing Stable, and Gaitway Stable, Toast Of Lindy starts from post four and will have Andy Miller in the sulky. He has won three races in seven starts this season, most recently winning a $26,275 split of the Keystone Classic, and has earned $104,693.

New York Sires Stakes (NYSS)-phenom Fourth Dimension matches up with Pennsylvania Sires Stakes (PASS) consolation champ Met’s Hall and PASS champion Fashionwoodchopper in the third Bluegrass split. Fourth Dimension, a Chapter Seven colt out of Muscle Hill mare Corazon Blue Chip purchased for $200,000 at the Lexington-Select sale by Courant Inc., was undefeated in four starts before breaking in a $78,800 NYSS division at Yonkers Raceway, finishing sixth as the 1-5 favorite. Earning $81,750, Marcus Melander conditions Fourth Dimension, who will start from post three, and Brian Sears drives.

Met’s Hall, off two wins since finishing fifth in the Peter Haughton Memorial, won the PASS Consolation by seven-and-a-quarter lengths, and followed that with a lifetime-best effort of 1:54.2 in a Kindergarten prelim at the Meadowlands. A winner of four races in six starts, the Cantab Hall colt from the Mutineer mare Met’s Inn has earned $88,175 for owners Stroy Inc. and Andy Millers Stables Inc. Julie Miller trains the $132,000 Harrisburg Yearling Sale purchase and Andy Miller will drive from post seven.

A winner of three races in six starts, Fashionwoodchopper, by Donato Hanover out of the Muscles Yankee mare Woodshopper, will try for his fourth win in a row when he goes from post eight Thursday. Off a lifetime-best 1:56.1 in a Kindergarten prelim following his 38-1 upset in the $252,000 PASS Championship, the Jim Campbell-trained $100,000 Harrisburg Yearling purchase competes for owner Fashion Farms LLC and will be driven by David Miller.

Jim Campbell also sends Crystal Fashion, a Cantab Hall gelding out of the Tagliabue mare Window Willow, for Fashion Farms LLC in the fourth division of the Bluegrass. A winner of two races in eight starts, the $100,000 Harrisburg Yearling purchase has banked $93,942 this season mainly through the PASS program, finishing fourth in the $252,000 final. Tim Tetrick will drive.

Crystal Fashion will be faced by Farsetti Hanover, runner-up to You Know You Do in the $360,650 Peter Haughton Memorial. A colt by Donato Hanover from the Cantab Hall mare Finesse Hanover, Farsetti Hanover, purchased for $27,000 at the Harrisburg Yearling Sale by Ervin Miller Stables, George Golemes, and David Prushnok, has won two races in nine starts this season, amassing $75,139 in earnings. He’ll start from post two with Marcus Miller in the bike.

From post position nine, trainer Jimmy Takter sends Maxus, a Muscle Hill colt out of the Enjoy Lavec mare Gerri’s Joy, in the final Bluegrass split. Racing for the interests of Christina Takter and Brixton Medical Inc., Maxus, a winner of two races in nine starts, enters off a third-place effort in the William Wellwood Memorial following a 1:56.2 lifetime-best performance in winning the elimination. Earning $125,836 so far this season, Tim Tetrick will drive.

Also out of the William Wellwood is Night Rhythm, a lightly-raced son of Muscle Hill out of the Andover Hall mare Tail Of Night. A winner of one race in four starts this season, the Frank Antonacci-trained colt for owners Lindy Farms Of Connecticut and Robert Rudolph will start from post two after finishing seventh in his William Wellwood elimination, having won a $75,104 Champlain division in 1:57.2 the week prior. Scott Zeron will drive the earner of $44,152 this season.

First race post for the kickoff to the Grand Circuit fortnight is 7:00pm EDT.

YONKERS’ MONDAY PICK 5 RESULTS IN SEASON-HIGH PAYOFF

BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Monday, September 23, 2017—Buoyed by a double carryover of $7,779.95 and more than $22,000 in fresh play, Yonkers Raceway’s Monday night (Sept. 23^rd) Pick 5 made one investor very happy.

A single (base 50-cent wager) winning ticket with the combination of 2/1/1/3/6 paid a 2017-high $24,594.50.

The sequence included four double-digit payouts and just one winning favorite.

The Pick 5 (again, base 50-cent base wager) is comprised of races 7 through 11 during every racing card. It has no consolation payoff, meaning if no one selects all five winners, the entire pool (minus takeout) moves to the next racing program. 

Red Mile Grand Circuit Begins on Thursday

Lexington, KY - The eagerly anticipated Red Mile Grand Circuit meet kicks off with a ten race card on the evening of Thursday, September 28, post time is 7:00 p.m.

Freshman trotting colts will kick off the action when 41 of them spread over five divisions of the Bluegrass Stakes sponsored by Hickory Lane Horse Farms heralding their trotting stallion Uncle Peter, whose first crop offering rewrote the record books at the recently concluded Ohio Select Yearling sale. 

Among the Bluegrass entrants are Peter Haughton Memorial winner You Know You Do, PASS champ Fashionwoodchopper, NYSS stalwart Fourth Dimension and NJSS final winner U Need Stones.

The top names in the game, both human and equine, will converge on Lexington to compete for more than $5 million in purses during the two week Grand Circuit meet over the famed red clay.

Racing is live at The Red Mile Thursday through Saturday at 7:00 p.m., switches to a 1:00 p.m. post on Sunday then resumes with matinee racing October 5 through 8.

The Lexington Selected Yearling Sale gets underway on Tuesday, October 3 at 7:00 p.m. and will continue through Saturday evening with more than 600 royally bred yearlings consigned.

The Red Mile Clubhouse will be open for dining each day during the Grand Circuit meet and you may reserve a table by dialing (859) 255-0752.

A more detailed preview of Thursday's races will be released on Tuesday after the program has been made final.

YONKERS HOSTS SATURDAY NIGHT’S 172G NYSS MICHAEL SORENTINO TROT

BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Saturday, September 23, 2017—Yonkers Raceway Saturday night (Sept. 23^rd) hosted the $172,000 New York Sire Stakes Michael Sorentino Trot for 3-year-old colts and geldings.  

It was the last of 16 sire stakes local legs, leading up to the Oct. 14^th New York ‘Day’ of Champions. That afternoon, eight, $225,000 NYSS finals take place during Yonkers’ $3.3 million International Trot matinee program.

A pair of groupings, at $85,250 and $86,750, respectively, comprised this event.   

The opening division saw Seven and Seven (George Brennan, $4.90) give nothing else a chance in 1:55.

Making just his second sire stakes appearance of the season, Seven and Seven—from post position No. 4—took over from Eye ofa Tiger AS (Jason Bartlett) after a :28.1 opening quarter-mile.

He continued leading through intervals of :57.2 and 1:26 before Yonkers Trot winner Top Flight Angel (Andy Miller). The pole-sitting, 3-4 favorite was in no particular hurry early and thus had way too much to do late.

Seven and Seven opened 2¼ lengths into the lane, then finished it off by 2½ lengths. Top Flight Angel was a non-threatening second, with Eye ofa Tiger AS third.

For second choice Seven and Seven, a Chapter Seven homebred (Mrs. Durand) Ontario co-owned by (trainer) Tom Durand, the missus, June, and Allan Smith, it was his second win in nine seasonal starts. Durand had not started a horse locally in nearly four years, but made up for lost time Saturday (more about that in a bit).

The exacta paid $9.30, with the triple returning $18.20.

“I didn’t know anything about him and drove him accordingly,” Brennan said. ”I did know that Tom would send them here with purpose.”

“We made a decision before the season to race him in Grand Circuit events,” Durand said. “We didn’t have much luck with that, so we tried him in the final sire stakes of the season. Maybe he can make the final.”   

Saturday’s second Sorentino division had even-money Guardian Angel AS (Bartlett, $4)—whose early Yonkers Trot break did him—get the better trip and the bigger check here. Working it out second-over from post No. 3, he stalked Swell Chap (Brian Sears) after that one swallowed up early leader Zach’s Zoomer (Miller).

‘Zach’ was done after fractions of :28, :57.2 and 1:26.3. Swell Chap opened a length lead in and out of the final turn but couldn’t stave off Guardian Angel AS. The latter prevailed by a hard-earned head in 1:56, with Icanflylikeanangel (Jordan Stratton) rallying for third after finding himself pocketed to a tiring leader.    

For Guardian Angel AS, a son of 2012 YR Trot winner Archangel trained by Anette Lorenzton for co-owners ACL Stuteri AB and Kjell Johansson, it was his eighth win in 15 ’17 tries.  The exacta (two wagering choices) paid $9.40, with the triple returning $43.60.

Saturday’s pair of $50,000 Open Handicaps were won by…

--Pace—The Real One (Pat Lachance, $6.90) in 1:50.3, fastest local mile of the season;

--Trot—Dia Monde (Brennan, $3.70) in 1:54.2. Durand’s other starter also went down the road, matching the track record for 4-year-olds geldings.

Between races, driver Mark MacDonald was feted with a congratulatory sign for his 6,000^th win, the milestone reached the previous night at Vernon Downs.