Yonkers Raceway has announced that four-year-old double millionairess Ariana G has been selected to represent the United States in the $1 million Yonkers International Trot at Empire City Casino set for Saturday, Oct. 13.
The Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld co-owned homebred daughter of Muscles Yankee comes off a track-record 1:52.1 effort in the Dayton Trotting Derby on Friday, Sept. 27. It was her fifth win in 11 starts this season and 26th in 37 races career, good for $2,367,709 in earnings.
The International would serve as the 11th venue where Ariana G has raced, though her first small-track try. Twice a Breeders Crown champ, twice a Dan Patch award winner and with a Hambletonian Oaks win leading a gaudy resume, her accomplishments are numerous. Now, she prepares to meet some of the world’s best trotters.
“I spoke with [trainer] Jimmy Takter earlier tonight to offer the invitation, and he immediately accepted,” race secretary Steve Starr said. “As I said when we announced the nine foreign entrants, it should be a great race.”
The alphabetical field for the mile-and-a-quarter International Trot, with country of representation:
Arazi Boko (Italy)
Ariana G (United States)
Cruzado Dela Noche (Sweden)
Dreammoko (Netherlands)
Lionel (Norway)
Marion Marauder (Canada)
Pastore Bob (Sweden)
Ringostarr Treb (Italy)
Slide So Easy (Denmark)
Up and Quick (France)
Beginning in 1959 at Roosevelt Raceway, this is the 40th International Trot and fourth since it was brought back after two decades of dormancy. More information about the card (including post time) and surrounding promotions and activities shall be sent when available.
(Yonkers Raceway)