by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Jonsie Jones (Tyler Buter, $5.70) finished what she started Friday night (May 1), winning Yonkers Raceway’s featured $42,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace.

Sean Hamrock photo

Jonsie Jones was a 1:53.3 winner in the Friday feature at Yonkers.

In play at the outset from post position No. 2, Jonsie Jones worked around the 7-5 favorite, the pole-sitting Scootin For Joy (Brian Sears). She then threw down the gauntlet through intervals of :28.4, :57, 1:25.3 and 1:53.3.

The final margin was a diminishing neck over a cone-skimming Virgin Mary (Eric Carlson), with Scootin For Joy third. Delightful Dragon (George Brennan) and Sir Jillian Z Tam (Pat Lachance) rounded out the payees.

For second choice Jonsie Jones, an 8-year-old gray daughter of Tulane trained by Buter’s wife, Amber, for owner Lrl Racing, it was her fifth win in 14 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $33, with the triple returning $82.

The Raceway’s live season continues Saturday night (post time 7:10 p.m.). After that, it’s Monday (7:10 p.m.), a French-centric Tuesday (1 p.m., first round of the Jackpot Next Door Claiming Series), then Thursday through Saturday (all at 7:10 p.m.). Note Sunday matinees are done until November. Evening simulcasting accompanies all night programs, with afternoon simulcasting available daily.

Speaking of Mr. Buter, he and Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model Hannah Davis are included in a blue-ribbon panel Saturday for Empire City’s annual Fancy Derby Hat Contest at the track apron. The contest is to be held trackside as part of the festivities and the $1,100 in cash prizes — $750 (first), $250 (second) and $100 (third) — are awarded at 5 p.m. (registration from 2-4 p.m.).

Fans are invited to stop by and take a photo with Ms. Davis, and, so as not to hurt his feelings, Mr. Buter as well.

Full-card Churchill simulcasting (141st Derby Day first post is 10:30 a.m.) is, of course, available, with Yonkers’ regular Saturday card beginning at the usual 7:10 p.m.