New York Sire Stakes continued downstate Monday night, with Yonkers Raceway hosting the Mike Cohen Trot for two-year-old fillies.
The trio of races honoured the memory of the former Yonkers and NBC Sports publicity director, with family and friends making winner’s circle presentations.
The third ($48,941) division was the evening’s fastest, with Barn Bella (Jeff Gregory, $6.10) wiring her three rivals (two others were scratched). From post position 3, she led through intervals of :29.2, :59.4, 1:30.2 and 1:59. The final margin was 3-1/2 lengths, with Hotel Royale (Brian Sears) edging Heel on Wheels (Matt Kakaley) for second.
Mighty Surf (catch-driver Scott Zeron), as the 9-10 favourite, was not enamoured of her environs in any way, shape or form. Very wide early, she eventually found a pocket before breaking, catching herself and breaking again.
For second choice Barn Bella, a daughter of Conway Hall co-owned by (trainer) Steve & Nancy Pratt and Purple Haze Stables, it was her third win in six seasonal starts.
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Monday’s second ($48,941) event saw odds-on Mamora Bay (Sam Schillaci, $2.80)—last of the quintet (one scratch) turning for home after a behind-the-gate bobble—storm by to win going away.
From post 5, she defeated Run For Royalty (John Campbell) by a length-and-a-quarter in a life-best 1:59.3, with pace-setting (:30.1, 1:00,. 1:29.3) Flyhawk Charm (Jason Bartlett) settling for third.
For Mamora Bay, a Chapter Seven miss trained by her driver for owner Peter Barbato, she’s now 3-for-5 (with a second and a third) this season.
The evening’s first ($48,091) sire stakes get-together had the three wagering choices all misbehave and the pair of double-digit propositions mind their manners.
Nightflix Hanover (Ray Schnittker, $29), inheriting a gift pocket from post 4, pulled against Reverend Nanny (Jordan Stratton) by the half, then widened. The final margin was 13-1/4 lengths in 2:03.3. Cherry Royal Ruby (Dan Daley), the 9-10 choice, recovered to beat the other two jumpers and finish third.
For fourth choice Nightflix Hanover, a Credit Winner miss co-owned (with Charlie Iannazzo, Ted Gewertz and Tom Spatorico) by her driver/trainer, it was a maiden-breaking win in her fifth start.
Statebreds are back at it at Thursday night, with the $151,624 Jim Meagher Pace for two-year-old colts/geldings.
(Yonkers)