New York Sire Stakes action began downstate Monday night, with Yonkers Raceway hosting the $230,510 Mike Cipriani Trot for three-year-old fillies
.
Five, $46,102 divisions - including two early non-bettors - were scheduled, with the Raceway honouring the memory of its long-time, award-winning track photographer.
Jezzy (Ray Schnittker), first on the tee, put up a 1:57 effort, then retired the clubhouse daring anyone to beat it. They didn’t. Leaving from post position five, the standout state-bred sat pocketed to Eight Bells through fractions of :28.4, :58.1 and 1:27.2. Jezzy strolled by, widening to a margin of 4-1/2 lengths over with Temper Of Will third.
Jezzy, a daughter of Credit Winner co-owned by trainer Schnittker along with Jeff Gural, Ted Gewertz and Jerry Silva, is now 4-for-4 this season and 14-for-15 lifetime.
The evening's other non-bettor was won by last season’s NYSS champ, Some Girls (Brian Sears) in 1:59.4. The Conway Hall miss, co-owned by trainer Gates Brunet, Jean Brunet, Michael Rosenthal and Ted Gewertz, has won twice in four seasonal starts and a career 10-for-15.
As for the three events on the wagering card, Nowerland Firebird (George Brennan, $10.60) made a successful sire stakes debut, overcoming the eight-hole to hold off 1-4 favourite Epona Blue Chip by a half-length in 1:59.1.
Nowerland Firebird, a daughter of Cash Hall owned by Michi Yvette Abday and trained by Lou Pena, is now 2-for-4 this season.
Monday night's other NYSS events were won by Go Go Dancer (Brian Mattison - 2:00.3) and Conwayslassie (Cat Manzi - 2:00.4).
New York Sire Stakes continue here June 14 and 16 with events for three-year-old trotters of both genders.
(Yonkers Raceway)