by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Standout statebred He’s Gorgeous (Jason Bartlett) went up and over his competition — and the $400,000 career earnings plateau — winning the fastest Monday night (July 12) division of Yonkers Raceway’s $276,000 New York Sire Stakes Bruce Hamilton Pace.

Tom Berg photo

He’s Gorgeous scored in 1:53.1 in his NYSS split on Monday.

He’s Gorgeous was the prohibitive 3-10 favorite in the $69,650 first grouping for the 3-year-old colts and geldings. He’s Gorgeous, getting an early wheel-disc reminder from post position No. 4, made the lead just after a :27.4 opening quarter-mile. He then found a :56.2 half and 1:25 three-quarters as Triple Major (George Brennan) pulled from third. He’s Gorgeous had a 1-3/4 length lead turning for home, then widened to 2-1/2 lengths at the 1:53.1 wire. Triple Major held second, with Real Gentleman third.

He’s Gorgeous, an Art Major-So Ravishing colt trained by Linda Toscano for owner Ken Jacobs, returned $2.60 for his third win in six seasonal starts (12-for-17 lifetime). The exacta (two favorites) paid $6.30, with the triple returning $13.40.

“We’ve tried to tinker with his equipment a bit to get his attention earlier in the race,” Bartlett said. “I’m not sure it accomplished what we thought it would.

“He was alright tonight. He’s been better, and I expect him to be better.”

Monday night’s other Hamilton events, worth $68,350, $68,350 and $69,350, respectively, were won by:

• Art Two D Two, g (Art Major-Shark Tail); co-owners Dawn Pavia, Steven Held, Michael Rich and Dijo Racing/trainer Joe Pavia, Jr./driver George Brennan; 1:54.4/$3.80;
• Art Professor (Art Major-Allamerican Toffee); co-owners David Scharf, Steve Elliott and Martha Frank/trainer Toni Rose/driver George Brennan; 1:53.4/$2.50;
• (dead-heat) Hank’s Kid, g (Bettor’s Delight-Hank’s Girl); co-owners (trainer) Bill Popfinger and Henry Spierer/driver Jason Bartlett; 1:54.3/$3.90 and Capital Blue Chip (Art Major-Ichiban Blue Chip); co-owners Stake Your Claim 5 and Fred Wallace/trainer Linda Toscano/driver Jeff Gregory; 1:54.3/$3.90.

Monday’s sire stakes events paid tribute to Bruce Hamilton, long-time Executive Secretary of Harness Horse Breeders of New York State who passed away in May, 2003, at the age of 55. Bruce was one of the hardest-working people in the industry. His family joined in for winner’s circle presentations.