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

Yonkers, NY — Post positions for both the $445,594 Yonkers Trot and $185,194 Hudson Filly Trot shall be drawn Tuesday night (July 3) in Yonkers Raceway’s winner’s circle.

The draws for Saturday night’s pair of stakes races are scheduled after Tuesday’s sixth race. It can be viewed online at www.yonkersraceway.com/livevideo/.

There is more than a bit of “method to this madness,” as the extra time between races six and seven allows more lead-in for Yonkers’ late Pick-4, which debuts an increased $25,000 guaranteed Tuesday pool this night.

As always, program pages for both Monday’s ($20,000 guarantee) and Tuesday’s ($25,000) late Pick-4 races are available at www.yonkersraceway.com. The late Pick-4 consists of races seven through 10 every racing night.

Five 3-year-old colts, led by world champion Googoo Gaagaa, were entered for the 58th edition of Yonkers’ premier trotting event, the first jewel of the Trotting Triple Crown.

The quintet, in alphabetical order with declared drivers, are Archangel (Jim Morrill, Jr.), Googoo Gaagaa (Corey Callahan), Market Share (Jeff Gregory), Muscolo (Ray Schnittker) and Stormin Normand (Dave Palone).

The star of the show is, of course, Googoo Gaagaa, he of the pacing sire (Cam’s Rocket) and the modest upbringing who has won 11 of his 12 career starts and $345,945. Googoo Gaagaa enters off a world record 1:50.4 effort in last month’s $500,000 final of the Earl Beal Jr. Memorial at Pocono.

The companion event, the Hudson Filly Trot, attracted three soph fillies, led by millionairess Check Me Out (Schnittker).

Saturday also features the ever-popular freebie — a Yonkers Trot pilsner glass, to be precise (while supplies last). Giveaway areas are to be located on the second and fourth floors, along with the track apron.