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

Yonkers, NY — New York Sire Stakes continued downstate Monday night (Aug. 15), with Yonkers Raceway hosting the $145,923 Mike Cohen Trot for 2-year-old fillies.

The trio of races honored the memory of the former Yonkers and NBC Sports publicity director, with family and friends making winner’s circle presentations.

Mike Lizzi photo

Jeff Gregory drove Barn Bella to a 1:59 triumph.

The $48,941 third division was the evening’s fastest, with Barn Bella (Jeff Gregory, $6.10) wiring her three rivals (two others were scratched). From post position No, 3, she led through intervals of :29.2, :59.4, 1:30.2 and 1:59. The final margin was 3-1/2 lengths, with Hotel Royale (Brian Sears) edging Heel On Wheels (Matt Kakaley) for second.

Mighty Surf (catch-driver Scott Zeron), as the 9-10 favorite, was not enamored of her environs in any way, shape or form. Very wide early, she eventually found a pocket before breaking, catching herself and breaking again.

For second choice Barn Bella, a daughter of Conway Hall-Bravissima co-owned by trainer Steve and Nancy Pratt and Purple Haze Stables, it was her third win in six seasonal starts. The exacta paid $30.40, with triple wagering cancelled.

Monday’s $48,941 second event saw odds-on Mamora Bay (Sam Schillaci, $2.80), last of the quintet (one scratch) turning for home after a behind-the-gate bobble, storm by to win going away. From post No. 5, she defeated Run For Royalty (John Campbell) by 1-1/4 lengths in a life-best 1:59.3, with pace-setting (:30.1, 1:00,. 1:29.3) Flyhawk Charm (Jason Bartlett) settling for third.

Mamora Bay, a Chapter Seven-Giulie Bi miss trained by her driver for owner Peter Barbato, is now three-for-five (with a second and a third) this season. The exacta paid $18.40, with triple wagering again scrapped.

The evening’s $48,091 first sire stakes get-together had the three wagering choices all misbehave and the pair of double-digit propositions mind their manners. Nightflix Hanover (Ray Schnittker, $29), inheriting a gift pocket from post No. 4, pulled against Reverend Nanny (Jordan Stratton) by the half, then widened. The final margin was 13-1/4 lengths in 2:03.3. Cherry Royal Ruby (Dan Daley), the 9-10 choice, recovered to beat the other two jumpers and finish third.

For fourth choice Nightflix Hanover, a Credit Winner-Nan’s Conway miss co-owned with Charlie Iannazzo, Ted Gewertz and Tom Spatorico by her driver/trainer, it was a maiden-breaking win in her fifth start. The exacta paid $115.50, with triple wagering not offered due to only five scheduled/actual starters.

Statebreds are back at it at Thursday night (Aug. 18) with the $151,624 Jim Meagher Pace (2-year-old colts/geldings).