It was a night of firsts Thursday, with Yonkers Raceway hosting its first New York Sire Stakes event of the season - the Empire's first look at its first-season trotting colts and geldings.
Five divisions and 32 newbies comprised the $192,712 Milt Taylor Trot.
Team Ackerman, always well-represented in state-bred events, overcame the high price of gas to and from Michigan. With Doug as trainer and D.R. taking his customary seat, a pair of their rookies were ready at first asking.
Wind Gust never had an anxious moment from Post 3 in the first $38,822 division. He prevailed by 2-1/2 lengths in a time of 2:03.4. The Credit Winner gelding, owned by Kindergarten Stud, defeated runner-up Hitontheflipside (Kevin Cummings) and third-place finisher RC Authority (Dan Daley).
The Ackermans completed their own personal double when Judge Joe won the third $38,122 division as the 2-5 favourite. The son of Credit Winner, owned by the Ackermans, strolled to a 3-1/2 length score over R Little E (Bill Bailey). Jack To A King (Henry Westbrook III) rounded out the top three.
The night's fastest foray was the second $38,122 event. Donttellmywife and driver Jeff Gregory sat off a speed duel and won in going away fashion. The Malabar Man gelding, who stopped the clock in 2:01.4 for trainer George Ducharme, defeated runner-up Calchips Brute (Jim Morrill Jr.) by 2-1/4 lengths. Spin Spanky Spin (Dan Daley) was third.
Ducharme shares ownership on the youngster with Nicole Oliva and Shannon DiAntonio.
Thursday night's other two NYSS divisions, each worth $38,822, went to Coal Daily (2:04.4) and Bailey Banks (2:04.4).
(Yonkers Raceway)