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

Yonkers, NY — In a sure sign that spring is approaching, Yonkers Raceway has announced the eligibles for its premier Free For All events, the George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series and the Blue Chip Matchmaker.

Leading the list of 47 Levy lads is two-time champion Foiled Again. The now 10-year-old gelding looks to add to his $6 million retirement account when the series gets underway Saturday night (March 22).

As is custom, the Levy offers five $50,000 per-race preliminary rounds, leading to a $200,000 (added) final, set for Saturday (April 26). Those 47 nominees — 10 of which, including Foiled Again, are trained by Ron Burke — and their requisite $5,000 entry fee add another $235,000 to the final.

New this season is a $1,000 per horse per leg starting fee, with that entire collection plate also going to the final.

Companion event for the Levy, the Blue Chip Matchmaker, attracted 39 pacing mares, led by the superb Anndrovette and last season’s victress, Feeling You. The Matchmaker, commencing Friday (March 21), also consists of five prelim rounds, with each race going for $40,000.

The final also goes April 26, with $125,000 added to the $156,000 in entry fees (39 times $4,000), plus the new $800 per horse-per race starting fee.

There are 16 current millionaires between the two series.