by Frank Drucker, Publicity Director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Yonkers Raceway on Friday night (Aug. 12) hosted the $150,224 Milt Taylor Trot for 2-year-old colts and geldings. Two divisions at $75,112 each comprised the ‘sloppy’ event over a surface that took in a fair amount of pre-card water (start of card delayed 20 minutes).

The moisture didn’t compromise the favorites, as Devious Man (Brian Sears, $2.20, part of entry) and Such An Angel (John Campbell, $2.70) both brought home the mail.

Mike Lizzi photo

Devious Man and Brian Sears were 1:59 winners in NYSS action on Friday.

Devious Man, leaving from post position No. 6 and operating from second-over, whipped a pocketed Neon Lights (Jason Bartlett) by three-quarters of a length in 1:59. Royal Casanova (Campbell) led to the lane (:29.4, 1:00, 1:29.3) before fading to third, beaten 3-3/4 lengths. Big Man Ev (Andy Miller), partnered with the winner at the windows, broke early and wound up a beaten fifth, beating just a pair of subsequent misbehavers.

For Devious Man, a Credit Winner colt co-owned (as part of Stroy Inc.) and trained by Julie Miller, it was his second win in six seasonal starts. The exacta paid $20.20, with the triple returning $42.60.

“You can drive him the same as a rental car,” Miller said. “He just has a lot of spunk and energy.”

The second sire stakes soiree saw pole-sitting Such An Angel line up his six rivals, then complete his appointed rounds (:29.4, 1:01, 1:30.3, 1:59.1). He widened in the lane to defeat an off-cover Money Macintosh (Andy Miller) by 2-3/4 lengths, while a first-up Stick With Me Kid (Sears) held third.

For Such An Angel, a son of Credit Winner trained by Paul Kelley for co-owners Sam Caruso Jr. and Purple Haze Stables, he’s now four-for-five this season (three-for-three with Campbell driving. The exacta paid $11.20, with the triple returning $35.80.

“He a really professional colt,” Campbell said. “Done everything I’ve asked so far.”

Friday night’s $45,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace was won by a from-last Mach It A Par (Sears, $35.60) in 1:52.4.

Sire Stakes continue Monday night, with the $145,923 Mike Cohen Trot (2-year-old fillies).