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

Yonkers, NY — Artists Rally drew the pylons and was made the 6-5 morning line favorite for Yonkers Raceway’s Saturday night (March 14) $49,400 final of the Hopeful Pacing Series for 3-year-old colts and geldings. Post time for the 11-race card is 7:10 p.m., with the feature going as the ninth race.

Artists Rally, a Real Artist-Spunky Gal colt, missed the first week of the series before prevailing in 1:56.1 and 1:56.2, respectively. Ryan Anderson retains the assignment for owner Martin Scharf and trainer Mark Ford.

Artists Rally’s win a week ago — at odds of 1-20 — didn’t come without those few anxious moments of an early break.

“I rushed him out of there,” Anderson said. “Once I was able to get him back going, he was fine.”

In his first series try — after invading from Woodbine — Artists Rally rolled by off a pocket trip.

“I think he’s better here (Yonkers) than the big tracks,” Anderson said. “He was in tough last season (Governor’s Cup and Breeders Crown) and he has the talent.”

Artists Rally has won four of his 17 career starts and more than $73,000 entering Saturday’s final.

Trainer Linda Toscano, who has a big shot in Friday night’s filly finale with McGibson, doubles her pleasure in this event with Palace Cowboy (Jason Bartlett, post four) and Bring The Heat (Brent Holland, post eight).

The tandem — joined at the parimutuel pelvis — each had a win, a second and a third in series competition, with Bring The Heat’s 1:55.4 effort a week ago matching the fatest preliminary mile.

Lifesong (Larry Stalbaum, post five) and Fox Valley Lector (Greg Grismore, post seven) each won twice in the trials, including a dead-heat with one another in the opening round.

A pair of series consolations, worth $20,000 (fifth race) and $10,000 (third race), are also scheduiled.

The field for Saturday night’s final, with declared drivers and morning-line odds: 1-Artists Rally (Ryan Anderson, 6-5); 2-Sir Sisu (Jim Pantaleano, 20-1); 3-Stand By Cam (Cat Manzi, 8-1); 4-Palace Cowboy (Jason Bartlett, 3-1); 5-Lifesong (Larry Stalbaum, 4-1); 6-Only Vegas (Jordan Stratton, 15-1); 7-Fox Valley Lector (Greg Grismore, 6-1); and 8-Bring The Heat (Brent Holland, 3-1, coupled with Palace Cowboy).