The connections of just seven three-year-old pacing colts have entered their charges to contest Yonkers Raceway's 19th edition of the Art Rooney Pace
. Since eliminations are not necessary, all of the seven colts will go directly to the $421,850 final, scheduled for Saturday, June 13.
Barber Pole, a winner in two of his four seasonal starts, looks to give trainer George Teague, Jr. a third consecutive win in this race (Southwind Lynx-2007, Badlands Nitro-2008). Barber Pole, a son of Badlands Hanover owned by his breeders Gary and Barbara Iles, grabbed a life-best 1:49 earlier this season at the Meadowlands.
Fireintheshark's rookie season featured success in New Jersey-bred events, as well as a win in a division of the International Stallion Stakes at the Red Mile, but the son of 1994 Rooney winner Cams Card Shark has yet to hit his stride in '09. Fireintheshark is trained by Jim Campbell for co-owners Arlene and Jules Siegel.
Hypnotic Blue Chip has been quite occupied thus far in 2009. The Art Major colt has started 11 times, recording seven victories, two second-place finishes and one third. Co-owner Mark Harder trains for Deena Frost, Stable 45 and Robert Murphy.
Western Hanover son If I Can Dream, trained by Tracy Brainard for Bulletproof Enterprises has also been entered to contest the dash.
Six-figure Real Desire earner Mobile, trained by Ron Burke, has also been entered.
Monkey Off My Back, a son of Bettors Delight, was unraced at two. This season, he's won twice in seven starts -- both in Meadowlands overnights -- and earned a pair of paydays in the Empire Breeders Classic. Chris Ryder trains for owner Richard Young.
Venice Menace, a Western Hanover colt, brings seasonal perfection to the Rooney, as the colt is undefeated in four starts. Steve Elliott trains the colt for owners Jeff Snyder and Lothlorien.
$333,970 Lismore Attracts 11
The Rooney's companion event, the Lismore Pace, attracted 11 three-year-old fillies for a total purse of $333,970. Two $20,000 elimination races are scheduled for this Saturday, June 6, with the first four in each gaining entrance to the $293,970 final Saturday, June 13.
The Lismore ladies are, in alphabetical order, B Intensified, In the Game, Indulge Me, Jkmusicofthenite, Jordans Jewell, Kabbalah Karen B, Mogul Magnate, Not Enough (the lone $30,000 supplemental entrant), Notjustaprettyface, Pumptuous and Spoiled Beach
Live racing returns to Yonkers this Saturday night. The open draw for both stakes finals will take place Tuesday, June 9.
(With files from Yonkers)