by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — The Empire State’s glamour gang returned downstate Monday night (Sept. 13), with Yonkers Raceway hosting the $277,962 New York Sire Stakes Jim Crawford Pace for 3-year-old colts and geldings. A trio of $92,634 divisions went postward over “good” ground, with all three favorites delivering on their promises to the public.

Mike Lizzi photo

He’s Gorgeous won his fourth straight in the New York Sire Stakes.

Defending NYSS champ He’s Gorgeous (Jim Morrill, Jr.) overcame a rotten draw (post position No. 7) and a wide trip, proving too tough in the opening event.

The 1-2 choice was second-over, then wide early to engage leading Art Two D Two (George Brennan). He’s Gorgeous grabbed a length lead in and out of the final turn, eventually defeating Erich’s Best (Fern Paquet, Jr.) by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:55.3. Art Two D Two was third.

He’s Gorgeous, an Art Major colt owned by Ken Jacobs and trained by Linda Toscano, returned $3.10 for his seventh win (fourth consecutive NYSS) in 11 seasonal starts (16-for-22 lifetime, career cash over $535,000). The exacta paid $39.20, with the triple returning $142.

“We knew early on he’d be a good one,” Jacobs said. “He’s never disappointed us. Now, all we need is a good draw in the (Sept. 25) Night of Champions (here), then hopefully, it’s on to the Breeders Crown.”

Jerry’s Brown Gold (Jordan Stratton), as the 3-4 choice, went first-up and over in the second event. Away third from post No. 2, he disposed of lonsghot leader Speculative Edge (Dan Daley) down the backside and widened from there.

Jerry’s Brown Gold had 3-1/2 lengths turning for home, then held off the closing 31-1 Bullish Blue Chip (Jeff Gregory) by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:56.1. Flexjet (Brian Allen) was third.

Jerry’s Brown Gold, an Art Major colt owned by Fred Monteleone Stables and trained by Ed Hart, returned $3.50 for his eighth win in 16 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $32.20, with the triple returning $227.50.

“He’s a very versatile colt, and I just didn’t want to get caught up in a speed duel,” Stratton said. “The track was obviously off, but he had no problems.”

Jimmie Hanover (Brennan) turned in the evening’s fastest sire stakes effort, wiring the final division from post No. 2 in 1:53.2. Malicious (Gregory) was a pocket second, beaten three-quarters of a length, with Whiskey Pete (Stephane Bouchard) a three-hole third.

Jimmie Hanover, a son of Art Major owned by John Lichtenberger and trained by Larry Remmen, returned $4.70 for his fourth win in 10 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $17.60, with the triple returning $135.50.

“That’s a good mile on a track that was a little sticky,” Brennan said. “The only thing Larry (Remmen) said to me was that he tends to get lazy.

“I was able to give him a bit of a breather, then open up past the three-quarters. He was getting tired late, but he was good.”