BY FRANK DRUCKER,
Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway
Sent off as the even-money favorite from the pylons, Statesman N was content to
play understudy to Sapphire City (Jason Bartlett) through soft early intervals
of :27.3 and :56.2. It was Dancin' Yankee (Eric Goodell) prompting
first-up through a :27.1 third quarter (1:23.3). Sapphire City repelled that
one, taking a length-and-a-half lead into the lane.
Statesman N edged out, and did get there..barely, winning by a neck in 1:51.3.
Sapphire City held second over a pylon-skimming American Rage (Jim Pantaleano),
with Clear Vision (George Brennan) and Fat Man's Alley (Brent Holland) settling
for the remainder.
For Statesman N, a 6-year-old Down Under Christian Cullen gelding trained by
Mark Harder co-owners Our Horse Cents and J&T Silva Stables and Peter
Venturini, he returned $4 for his sixth win in 19 seasonal starts. The exacta
paid $15, with the triple returning $85.
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 around the NYRA schedule.
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