To the surprise of no one, Gimpanzee strolled around Yonkers Raceway early Tuesday evening (June 25), winning the non-betting division of the New York Sire Stakes' Dick McGuire Trot for three-year-old colts and geldings.
Gimpanzee’s public workout in his $54,833 division saw him easily vault over five over-matched inside foes. He then dealt intervals of :29, :58., 1:27 and 1:55. The final margin was seven-and-a-half lengths, with Cavill Hanover photoing Lucky Weekend for second.
It was his 11th win in as many career starts for last season’s frosh divisional—and New York Sire Stakes—champ, four of which have come at Yonkers.
Gimpanzee, a son of Chapter Seven, is trained by Marcus Melander for owners Courant Inc. and S R F Stable. He has won both his seasonal starts while increasing his earnings to $723,146.
Asked if he was actually paid to just sit there, driver Brian Sears said, “I like it when they’re that easy. He’s a pro, acts the same way a 10-year-old does. Nothing [not even a long pre-race delay involving another horse] bothers him.”
The second (first wagering) division, also worth $54,833, was all about 2-5 favourite Wiunnerup…until it wasn’t. Taking over up the backside and widening through the lane, Winnerup lost stride, gifting the grandeur to Livinonthedash.
The winner—from post position No. 6—was away last among the half-dozen. He gapped Winnerup, but continued to get past the early fray. The winning margin was a length-and-a-half in a 1:56.2 mile off splits of :29, :58.2 and 1:27.3.
Winnerup, who opened three-and-a-quarter lengths in and out of the final turn, saved second after an inquiry. Third went to Captain Krupnik, with Our White Knight fourth.
For rank outsider Livinonthedash, a Muscle Mass colt (unraced at two) co-owned by (trainer) Erv Miller, David Prushnok and Tangie Massey, it was his fifth win in nine seasonal starts. Marcus Miller drove the $32.00 winner. The exacta paid $74.50, the triple paid $560 and the superfecta paid $1,086.
“He was really good tonight and we lucked out when the favorite faltered,” Miller said.
The final statebred event, worth $55,833, was won by Mr Vicktor in 1:55.3. Tyler Buter drove the $2.20 winner.
New York Sire Stakes returns downstate Thursday night, June 27 with the $167,500 Armand Palatucci Pace for three-year-old colts and geldings.
A friendly reminder from Yonkers Raceway that Thursday evening’s (June 27) Pick-5 wager starts with a carryover of $7,500 and a $20,000 guaranteed pool. The guarantee, approved by the New York State Gaming Commission, in in conjunction with the U.S. Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program.
The Pick 5 is a 50-cent base wager comprising Races 7 through 11 Thursday night. It has no consolation payoff, meaning if no one selects all five winners (as was the case Tuesday night), the entire pool (minus takeout) moves to the next racing program.
(Yonkers Raceway)