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

Yonkers, NY — Monday night (Sept. 7) saw Yonkers Raceway hosting the $213,466 New York Sire Stakes Eastchester Trot, with 20 3-year-old colts and geldings in a trio of divisions.

Mike Lizzi photo

America (Jeff Gregory) lowered his mark to 1:58.4 on Monday.

The lone ($71,922) wagering group was a glorified match race between the two public choices. America (Jeff Gregory), as the 4-5 favorite, left over even-money proposition Kash N Credit (Jason Bartlett), then held that one at arm’s length. America won by 1-1/2 lengths in a life-best 1:58.4, with Brother Nick (Cat Manzi) third.

America, a Conway Hall gelding trained by Richard Norman for co-owners David McDuffee and David Scharf, returned $3.90 for his fourth win in 17 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $8.10, with the triple returning $40.60.

Monday night’s first ($70,622) sire stakes event saw a pair of early breakers — And Away We Go (Andy Miller) and Rookie Mistake (Jim Morrill, Jr.) — recover from their transgressions to finish 1-2. The latter defeated the former by a head in 1:59.4, with Calchips Brute (Trond Smedshammer) third.

And Away We Go, a son of Conway Hall trained by Julie Miller for both her husband and George Brennan, posted his second victory in eight ’09 tries. The $35,000-plus winner’s share improved his season (life) earnings six-fold.

The second ($70,622) non-wagering NYSS event saw Russell Hill (Morrill Jr.) enjoy an open-length lead from the post parade and never have an anxious moment. Russell Hill won by 5-3/4 lengths in 1:59, with South Jersey Flash (Steve Reisenweaver) second and Feel The Rush (Jeff Gregory) third.

Russell Hill, a Conway Hall colt trained by Jimmy Takter for owners Al Libfeld, Marvin Katz and Sam Goldband, has won eight of his 14 seasonal starts and more than $334,000.

New York Sire Stakes action continues the next two racing nights. Tuesday offers the $218,123 Bedford Pace (3-year-old fillies) and Thursday finds the $179,068 Milt Taylor Trot (2-year-old colts/geldings). There are also NYSS events scheduled throughout next week.