'Twas the day before the $1.6 million New York Night of Champions, with Yonkers Raceway hosting the richest night of harness racing in the state. It's the 21st edition of the Empire-breds showcase event.

Eight $200,000 sire stakes finals go postward as races 3 through 10, and five of the eight go to post with driver Jeff Gregory.

Gregory, whose nine Night of Champions wins puts him in third place all-time (along with Stephane Bouchard, behind Wally Hennessey and John Stark Jr.), has several good opportunities to add to that total this time around. He opined about his Saturday night dates.

3rd - 2-year-old filly pace (Dreamlands Roxy, post No. 7, 20-1 morning line). "Not a big filly, but handy. The post is going to kill us. We would need some serious action up front to get a share, but she has some talent."

4th race - 2-year-old filly trot (Sweet Possession, post No. 4, 12-1 morning line). "Last week (at Batavia) was the first time I'd driven her. She did everything well and almost won (second, beaten a half-length). She's one of Ray's (Schnittker's) fillies, and obviously his horse (the 10-for-10 Jezzy) is the one to beat." (Note that Jezzy is part of a three-pronged pari-mutuel entry, while Sweet Possession races uncoupled due to bona fide separate ownership).

5th race - 3-year-old filly trot (Frosty Flirt, post No. 2, 8-5 morning-line favourite). "She's a big, strong filly. She doesn't have the gate speed of some of the other girls in there, be she can out-grind them. She drew well, so I don't anticipate being too far out of it at any point in the race."

8th race - 2-year-old colt/gelding trot (Dejarmbro, post No 3, 8-5 morning-line favourite). "He was a bit slower getting started than others in this division. Having said that, he's acted like an aged horse right from the beginning. He's big, but very light on his feet. Very versatile." (Note that Dejarmbro is coupled with stablemate Im The Answer, who drew post No. 5)

9th race - 3-year-old colt/gelding trot (Blacktuxwhitesocks, post No. 4, 8-5 morning-line favourite). "I've said before that the Okuskos (Howie and Jessica, who also train Dejarmbro) put me down on talented horses who make me look good. He was very good as a 2-year-old (won the final) and he's been very good as a 3-year-old. He can leave or race from behind. He's handy and just as fast as any trotter in here."

Please note the New York Night of Champions also comes complete with a T-shirt giveaway, while supplies last.

Yonkers' current live schedule (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday) remains in effect, with first post at 7:10 PM. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule. Wednesday afternoon simulcasting ends at approximately 5:30 PM.

(Yonkers)