by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Yonkers Raceway
Yonkers, NY — It’s a return to High Noon Fridays at Yonkers Raceway, with a pair of $15,000 co-features leading the loveliness. An overflow field of nine is set for the superfecta Open Trot — carded as the eighth race — and is led by the return of 2000 Yonkers Trot champ Goalfish. The seven-year-old Armbro Goal gelding returns to the scene of his greatest triumph for a first visit since November 16, 2002, when he was third in an Open Handicap. Co-owner (with Arden Homestead Stable) and trainer Jacqueline Ingrassia drives from post position number four. For the season, Goalfish has three victories (all at Dover) in 18 tries ($57,620), bringing his career cash to $511,474. Blast Off (John Plutino, post three) rallied for third in last week’s Open ‘Cap in his first Westchester foray since winning the $42,200 final of the Bonus Trot Series in late April. The four-year-old Malabar Man gelding, owned by Klis Brothers Stable and trained by John Schmigel, tries for his ninth ’04 victory. Personal Finance (Jim Marshall III, post eight) authored a 17-1 upset in the claiming ranks across the river in his most recent try, while Spat On (Jeff Gregory, post five) had won three consecutive races before finishing third in his most recent effort, a central Jersey Open Handicap 13 days ago. The Legend (Greg Merton, post two) has three wins in his last five tries, while Priceless Gem (Ray Schnittker, post six) was second in an Open ‘Cap here two weeks ago. Ultimate Message (Daniel Dube, post nine) steps up after slapping around the high-conditioned crowd; Tequila Spur (Stephane Bouchard, post eight) has a pair of wins and a pair of seconds in his last half-dozen work days/night; and Total Mayhem (Mike Forte, post one) has hit the board in five of his eight seasonal tries. Friday’s co-featured Filly and Mare Open Handicap (sixth race) includes Chip And Gale A (Jim Marohn, post three), a rallying second in last week’s distaff derby, and Tasma Walton A (Dube, post six), invading with three consecutive victories in the Pocono femme feature. Ex Libris Hanover (John Hogan, post one), back for her first local try since finishing second in the $39,000 final of the Petticoat Pacing Series in late March, has hit the board in her last dozen appearances (seven wins, two seconds, three thirds). Alanis M (Plutino, post seven) graces the Raceway with her first visit since late July. Friday’s card also includes the last three “Stretch The Stretch” claiming finals for pacers: Fifth race: $15,000 claimers (purse $28,900); ninth race: $20,000 claimers (purse $32,400); and seventh race: $25,000 claimers (purse $39,750). Friday’s evening simulcast schedule includes the Meadows (post time 6:40), Northfield (7:00), Saratoga (7:00), Penn National (7:20), Pompano (7:20), Buffalo (7:30) and Meadowlands (7:30). Yonkers continues its Friday 12 Noon first post through July 23. Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays remain at the usual 7:40 p.m. first post. Afternoon simulcasting continues to be offered around the NYRA schedule, while the Raceway is open for Friday evening simulcasting after High Noon live cards. June’s evening/harness simulcast schedule includes Balmoral Park, Buffalo Raceway, Hazel Park, Maywood Park, Meadowlands, the Meadows, Monticello Raceway, Northfield Park, Penn National, Pocono Downs, Pompano Park, Raceway Park, Rockingham Park, Rosecroft Raceway, Saratoga Raceway, Scioto Downs and Vernon Downs. For more information, or to obtain a calendar, please contact the Raceway at (914) 968-4200.