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

Yonkers, NY — Yonkers Raceway’s 2013 stakes season begins next week, with the opening round of two popular series for 3- and 4-year-olds.

Chivalry dictates ladies first, so Monday night, it’s the Petticoat Pacing Series for the fairer sex. Four $12,500 divisions (races 1, 2, 6 and 7) for the fillies and mares highlight the 12-race card.

Tuesday night, it’s the gentlemen, with the annual tribute to Teddy Roosevelt known as the Sagamore Hill Pacing Series. Six divisions (races 4 and 6 through 10) lead the dozen-race dossier.

Both series feature entrants who are/were non-winners of four races and/or $40,000 through last Dec. 1. There are three preliminary rounds leading to a pair of $50,000 (est.) finals, scheduled for Monday, April 1 (Petticoat) and Tuesday, April 2 (Sagamore Hill).