One night after the freshman pacing fillies took their state-bred bow, the first-season lads hit the tarmac, with Yonkers Raceway hosting the $257,257 New York Sire Stakes Jim Meagher Pace for two-year-old colts and geldings
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Friday night's event, contested in seven, sloppy divisions, honoured the memory of the Raceway's long-time corporate controller.
Steelhead Hanover (Joe Pavia Jr., $2.60) was the easiest of winners, taking the final $36,951 foray in a debuting 1:56. Eschewing an early three-hole, "Steelhead" cruised through fractions of :29, :58.2 and 1:27.Glass Prince (catch-driver Dan Dube) cosmetically closed the final margin to two and three-quarter lengths, with Memory Game (Eric Goodell) a way-back third, beaten more than 13 lengths.
"He actually hit the bike in the first turn and sort of spooked himself," said Pavia, who trains the son of Bettors Delight for co-owners AGC Stables, Dijo Racing, Steven Held and Joseph Barbera. "He trained down very well, qualified well [at Pocono twice] and I was happy the way he handled the half.
"We paid $75,000 for him [Harrisburg] and the plan is to keep him in sire stakes for the summer."
Major Bombay (catch-driver Goodell) fooled very few in the $36,251 second division, grabbing the lead with an elongated brush before holding sway. The son of Art Major defeated JK Panache (catch-driver Dube) by a measured three-quarters of a length. Sir Howies Z Tam (Pat Lachance) was third.
Major Bombay, trained by Tony Alagna for co-owners by Aaron Waxman, Louis Willinger, John Fodera and Major Bombay Partners, returned $2.60 to the chalky investor.
Bronson Blue Chip (James Rattray) was an upset winner in the $36,951 third division. The 18-1 ($39.60) proposition improved position down the backside, then picked off a fast-closing Raymond J (catch-driver Dube) and tiring pace-setter Rock Man (Jeff Gregory) in 1:59.2.
"Bronson," an American Ideal colt, is co-owned by (trainer) Noel Daley and Ed Mullinax.
The $36,251 fourth Meagher division went to Piece of Art Work (Marcus Johansson, $11.40) in 1:58. The son of Art Major sat behind odds-on Mr Erv (Andy Miller), then edged past, prevailing by a length-and-a-half. Sir Globalop Z Tam (Lachance) was third.
Jimmy Takter trained the winner for co-owners Christina Takter, John Fielding, Daniel Plouffe and Falkbolagen Ab.
Friday's sixth $36,951 state-bred event was won by 3-5 choice Heston Blue Chip (catch-driver Gregory, $3.30) from off-the-pace in 1:56. Coast To Coast (Stephane Bouchard) was second, beaten, with Twin B Hollister (Cat Manzi) third.
Linda Toscano trained the winner, an American Ideal colt, for owner Ken Jacobs.
The evening's other NYSS events, each worth $36,951, were won by:
- Lawgiver Hanover (by Art Major); co-owners Rick Phillips, W Springtime Racing, Deena Frost/trainer Mark Harder/driver George Brennan; 1:56.4/$2.80
- My Boogie Shoes (by Artiscape); co-owners (trainer) Erv Miller, Mary Jane Anderson, Leland Mathias, Mystical Marker Farms/driver Andy Miller; 2:00.2/$7.30.
Saturday night, the Raceway presents its two premier trotting events of the season, the $445,474 Yonkers Trot--first jewel of the Trotting Triple Crown--and the $237,714 Hudson Filly. There's also a cap giveaway, while supplies last.
(Yonkers Raceway)