BY
FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway
YONKERS, NY, Friday, October 6, 2017—Hugh
Hefner N has found a second life after his namesake’s first death.
The four-legged version was it again
Friday night (Oct. 6th), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $20,000 pacing
opener in a down-the-road effort.
Eight nights ago, and one night after the
human Hefner’s passing, the equine counterpart provided a morbid hunch
play…which paid off to the tune of $4.60 as the wagering favorite. Moving up
the claiming ladder (from $20,000 to $25,000) Friday night, he prevailed from
the inside post position. ‘Hef’ won by a head in 1:53.1, his fourth victory in
21 seasonal starts. This time, he returned $10.60 as the third choice.
The 9-year-old Down Under Falcon Seelster
gelding (we’re not going there again) was driven this time by Jordan Stratton
for owner Keith Motusesky and trainer Doug Dilloian Jr. Hugh Hefner N went over
the $200,000 North American career earnings plateau with the win.
Friday night’s $50,000 Filly and Mare Open
Handicap saw Call Me Queen Be (Jim Marohn Jr., $7.60) placed first after
original ‘winner’ Scandalicious (Greg Merton) was set down to third for going
inside a pylon off the final turn. The mile went in 1:52.
