First-season statebreds returned downstate Monday night, with Yonkers Raceway hosting the $249,400 New York Sire Stakes Elmsford Trot for two-year-old colts
and geldings. Four divisions - three off the card - went at it.
The lone ($63,175) wagering event wasn't a happy one for those who took 10 cents on the dollar on Delano (Ray Schnittker). From the pole, he misbehaved in the first turn, eventually leaving the course, Meanwhile, War Cry Hall (Jim Pantaleano) made the lead and set sail through fractions of 28.2, 58. and 1:28.3. He owned a length-and-a-half lead turning for home, with Archangel (Jason Bartlett) - leaving from post position two - closing ranks after sitting the loosest of pockets.
Archangel eventually collared War Car Hall before widening to win by a couple of lengths in a career best clocking of 1:59.1 Connie Lauxmont (George Brennan) grabbed second, with War Cry Hall, and Macksmith (Sam Schillaci) and No Frosting (Brian Sears) snaring the remainder.
For Archangel, a son of Credit Winner co-owned by (trainer) Peter Arrigenna, Alan Hainsworth and Clare Semer, he returned $17.20 (second choice) for his second win in eight seasonal starts.
"I was waiting for (Archangel) to come back here," Bartlett said. "The last time I drove him, the horse inside of me made a break, and he did, too, for no reason that I could see. Tonight, Ray's colt (Delano) made a break right inside of me, but my horse just went about his business. I really like him."
"We think he can be a good one," Arrigenna said. "He gone against some of the best in this division and has been right there."
The trio of $62,075 non-betting sire stakes all saw handy winners. They were:
• Royal Shyster (by RC Royalty); co-owners Albert Crawford, Richard Lombardo, Ann-Mari Daley, Robert Pergament / trainer-driver Dan Daley; (now 7-for-9) 1:59
• Southwind Austin (by Conway Hall); owner Andy Miller Stable / trainer Julie Miller / driver Andy Miller; (now 3-for-7) 1:59.4;
• Coraggioso (by Conway Hall); co-owners (breeders) Tom Durkin and Joe Spadaro / trainer-driver Phil Fluet (now 4-for-7) 1:59.2.
New York Sire Stakes continue here Thursday night, with the $249,459 Hartsdale Pace for two-year-old colts and geldings.
(Yonkers Raceway)