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

Yonkers, NY — As a public service, anyone who has access to a set of flame-retardant driver’s colors, please contact Jason Bartlett immediately — because the lad is on fire.

Mike Lizzi photo

Jason Bartlett won 12 times on opening weekend at Yonkers.

Bartlett, who spent the latter part of 2011 sidelined with a sprained ankle, has spent the early part of 2012 making up for lost time. He’s thrown down the gauntlet to the tune of a dozen victories in 23 drives, all during Yonkers Raceway’s first two nights of racing.

Bartlett wasted no time getting his picture taken, winning Friday night’s first four races, then that evening’s $33,000 co-featured Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace with Breakheart Pass. He finished off Friday with a 31-1 last-turning-for-home winner before winning both halves of Saturday’s early Daily Double.

“I’ve been on good horses and they’ve been in good spots,” Bartlett said. “It’s sort of all fallen into place. You just keep going out there and doing your best.

“The ankle’s not 100 percent, but sitting in the bike was never the problem, even when I first hurt it (in early December). I’m getting more mobile, but I’m sure it’s going to be a while.”

Bartlett was the Raceway’s runaway driving champ from 2008 through 2010 before finishing second in the standings to George Brennan a season ago.

Yonkers’ usual five night per week (Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday) schedule returns this week. First post for all programs remains at 7:10 p.m. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.