New York Sire Stakes will return downstate Thursday night, as Yonkers Raceway will be hosting the Lew Barasch Trot for two-year-old colts and geldings
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That trotters are on display is a fitting tribute to the memory of 'Tootie,' whose Harness Racing Hall of Fame career was highlighted by his tenure at Roosevelt Raceway. There, he helped launch the International Trot in 1959, making it a worldwide phenomenon.
There are a half-dozen, $41,850 Barasch divisions --- three off the card (beginning at 6:00 p.m.), and three on, starting consecutively with Race 4 --- featuring many standout freshmen.
The first wagering NYSS event finds three entrants all winning their most recent statebred (Vernon) soirees. Coraggioso (PP3, Phil Fluet), a Conway Hall colt, has two wins, a second and third in his five starts for co-owners/breeders Tom Durkin and Joe Spadaro.
Archangel (PP2, Jason Bartlett) prevailed for a maiden-breaking victory after a big move a week ago. The son of Credit Winner is co-owned by trainer Peter Arrigenna, Alan Hainsworth and Clare Semer. Credicity (PP4, George Brennan) was a handy pocket winner in his most recent outing, where he drew off in the final stages. Trond Smedshammer trains for Purple Haze Stables.
The second betting 'Barasch' is led by Flyhawk Jester (PP4, Dan Daley), whose rookie resume includes four wins and two seconds in six starts. The son of RC Royalty, trained by Daley for his wife, Ann-Mari, along with Albert and Michelle Crawford and Richard Lombardo, was an open-length, 2:01.1 winner at the track last month.
Vintage Cash (PP3, Stephane Bouchard) authored an 11-1 upset in his local division last month, then went the distance in his most recent start.
Thursday's final sire stakes (wagering) event will see Delano (PP1, Ray Schnittker), Southwind Austin (PP2, Andy Miller) and A Penny Earned (PP6, Jeff Gregory). All were decisive winners at Yonkers when this division hit town last month.
(With files from Yonkers)
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