Post positions have been drawn for a pair of Yonkers Raceway’s premier stakes for three-year-old pacers.
Saturday’s 26th edition of the Art Rooney Pace, worth $300,000, features two colts and six geldings. The gods of the open draw did no favours for Missile J. The winner of last week’s lone $40,000 elimination race (1:53.2) landed behind the always-welcome eight-ball for the finale. Brian Sears will drive for trainer Linda Toscano.
The American Ideal gelding, co-owned by Ken Jacobs’ KJ Stables and Purple Haze Stables, is again paired in the wagering with the Purple Haze wholly-owned Artmagic (who is to be driven by George Brennan from Post 1). The Art Major gelding, trained by Trond Smedshammer, was third in last week’s elim.
Rodeo Rock (Dan Dube, PP2), a pocket second a week ago, landed Post 2 for the finale. Don Swick trains the gelded son of Rock N Roll Heaven, who was second in last season’s Lawrence B. Sheppard Pace at Yonkers.
The Rooney has been carded as Race 6 (approximate post 8:50 p.m.).
The field appears below.
$300,000 Art Rooney Pace
(Post – Horse – Listed Driver)
1 – Artmagic – George Brennan
2 – Rodeo Rock – Dan Dube
3 – No Shame Blue Chip – Tyler Buter
4 – Yankee Artillery – Jordan Stratton
5 – Tailgunner Hanover – Ray Schnittker
6 – Tap Into Power – Jason Bartlett
7 – Manny – Brent Holland
8 – Missile J – Brian Sears
The companion event, the $100,000 Lismore, attracted just six fillies, who all advanced directly to the final.
The Lismore has been carded as Race 4 (approx. 8:10 p.m.).
The field for the Lismore appears below.
$100,000 Lismore Pace
(Post – Horse – Listed Driver)
1 – Cut And Paste – Brian Sears
2 – Kryptos – Brian Sears
3 – Apple Bottom Jeans – Montrell Teague
4 – Dime A Dance – George Brennan
5 – Rock Me Baby – John Campbell
6 – Soft Idea – Jason Bartlett
Post time for the dozen-race card will be 7:10 p.m.
(Yonkers Raceway)