Yonkers Raceway kicks off its annual tribute to Theodore Roosevelt, the Sagamore Hill Pacing Series on Tuesday evening. It’s the male version of Monday’s start of the ladies-only Petticoat Pacing Series.

Both are open to three- and four-year-olds who are/were non-winners of four races and/or $40,000 through this past Dec. 1st.

Sagamore Hill is the Oyster Bay (Long Island, NY) estate which served as Roosevelt’s home (or home away from his D-C home) from 1885 until his death in 1919.

Which brings to our inkling. Included in the roster of Sagamore Hill entrants is none other than Bully Pulpit, named after the Roosevelt phrase for the power of presidential persuasion.

The four-year-old Well Said gelding drew post position 5 in the seventh race, fourth of five, $20,000 series divisions. At first glance, Bully Pulpit just sort of blends in with the crowd. A local regular, he’s won once in five seasonal starts, and has made money in four of those tries.

Bully Pulpit landed in a tough Tuesday group and—hunches aside—figures to offer some wagering value. Jordan Stratton drives for owner Jonathan Newman and trainer Rich Banca.

Perhaps Bully Pulpit can indeed ‘speak softly and carry a big stick.’ Our 26th president is watching.

(Yonkers)