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

Yonkers, NY — This is one for all you hunch players out there.

Tuesday evening (March 7), Yonkers Raceway begins its annual tribute to Theodore Roosevelt with the Sagamore Hill Pacing Series. It’s the male version of the previous night’s (Monday, March 6) start of the ladies-only Petticoat Pacing Series.

Tom Berg photo

Bully Pulpit may very well be a “hunch” play in the Sagamore Hill Series, which kicks off at Yonkers Raceway on Tuesday night.

Both are open to 3-and 4-year-olds who are/were non-winners of four races and/or $40,000 through this past Dec. 1.

Sagamore Hill is the Oyster Bay (Long Island, NY) estate which served as Roosevelt’s home (or home away from his DC home) from 1885 until his death in 1919; Which brings us to our inkling. Included in the roster of Sagamore Hill entrants is none other than Bully Pulpit, named after the Roosevelt phrase for the power of presidential persuasion.

The 4-year-old Well Said gelding drew post position five in the seventh race, the fourth of five $20,000 series divisions. At first glance, Bully Pulpit just sort of blends in with the crowd. A local regular, he’s won once in five seasonal starts and has made money in four of those tries.

Bully Pulpit landed in a tough Tuesday group and—hunches aside—figures to offer some wagering value. Jordan Stratton drives for owner Jonathan Newman and trainer Rich Banca.

Perhaps Bully Pulpit can indeed ‘speak softly and carry a big stick.’ Our 26th president is watching (just buy the premise).