Yonkers Raceway has announced it has raised the purse of next week's Messenger Stakes to $650,000, from its original value of $559,070.

"There was money available in our stakes account and we wanted to show our appreciation to the connections of the horses that entered," general manager Bob Galterio said. "The Messenger is a signature event, and we would like to keep it that way."

The October 25 Messenger, the final jewel of the Pacing Triple Crown, attracted a field of six three-year-old colts. The roster is led by world champion Somebeachsomewhere and $60,000 supplemental entrant Shadow Play, winner of the Adios, Little Brown Jug and Windy City Pace.

The remainder of the field includes Brother Ray, Dali, Legacy N Diamonds and Santanna Blue Chip.

Post positions shall be drawn the afternoon of Tuesday, October 21.

(With files from Yonkers)