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

Yonkers, NY — A perfect trip Jewel Lehigh A (Dan Dube, $55.50) lit up the tote board Friday night (May 26), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $55,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace.

Gabriela Trmal photo

Jewel Lehigh A capitalizes on a prime journey over the Yonkers oval to visit the winner’s circle on Friday evening.

Away sixth from post position three in her first try against the big girls, Jewel Lehigh A saw much action unfold in front of her. Apple Bottom Jeans (George Brennan) made the lead from post seven before a :27 opening quarter-mile.

She then gave it to an intermission (:56.1) move by Blacknsweet Adda A (Greg Merton), and when that one took over, Shesjustadelight N (Ron Cushing)—back locally after some fine work in the Blue Chip Matchmaker—was left naked, as the empress with no clothes.

Shesjustadelight N pressed the issued in and out of a 1:24.3 three-quarters, with the heroine of this missive latching on to a perfect tow. After Shesjustadelight N worse down Blacknsweet Adda A, with that one backpedaling to last, Jewel Lehigh A had dead aim on the new leader and the winner’s circle.

She went on by a stubborn life-best, winning by three-quarters of a length in 1:53.3. Shesjustadelight N was a solid second, with Al Raza N (Eric Abbatiello) third. Apple Bottom Jeans crossed the line fourth, but saw her finish flipped with Dublin Rose (Jason Bartlett) for going inside the cones.

For rank outsider Jewel Lehigh A, a Down Under 6-year-old daughter of Cammibest owned by Michael Goldberg and trained by Andrew Harris, it was her fourth win in 13 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $709, with the triple returning $2,856. The race also completed an all-Dube Pick 3, which returned $1,017, Dube won five races during the 11-race program.

Saturday night (May 27), the Raceway presents two of its premier stakes event of the season.

$140,770 Lismore (3-year-old pacing fillies)
6th race — approx. post 8:50 p.m.

1-Warrawee Sunshine -Tim Tetrick
2-Caviart Cherie-Jason Bartlett
3-Caviart Ally-Andrew McCarthy
4-Agent Q-Dave Miller
5-Big City Betty-Jim Marohn Jr.
6-Gotthisone Hanover-George Brennan
7-Tequila Monday-Brian Sears
8-Ashlee’s Spitfire-Dan Dube

$300,000 Art Rooney Pace (3-year-old open)
8th race — approx. post 9:30 p.m.

1-Mac’s Jackpot,g-Jason Bartlett
2-Miso Fast-Matt Kakaley
3-Downbytheseaside-Dave Miller
4-Rollin’ About,g-Brent Holland
5-Funknwaffles,g-Brian Sears
6-Summer Side-Tim Tetrick
7-Henry the Dragon-Montrell Teague
8-Stealth Bomber-Brett Miller

g-gelding, remainder are colts
There’s also a racing hat giveaway, one per Empire Club member, while supplies last.