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

Yonkers, NY— New York Sire Stakes action began downstate Monday night, with Yonkers Raceway hosting the $230,510 Mike Cipriani Trot for 3-year-old fillies.

Five $46,102 divisions–including two early non-bettors–were scheduled, with the Raceway honoring the memory of its long-time, award-winning track photographer.

Mike Lizzi photo

Jezzy strolled to an 4-1/2 length victory in a division of New York Sire Stakes at Yonkers.

Jezzy (Ray Schnittker), first on the tee, put up a 1:57 effort, then retired the clubhouse daring anyone to beat it. They didn’t.

Leaving from post position No. 5, the standout state-bred sat pocketed to Eight Bells (Frode Fladen), through fractions of :28.4, :58.1 and 1:27.2.

Jezzy strolled by, widening to a margin of 4-1/2 lengths over Eight Bells with Temper of Will (Trond Smedshammer) third.

Jezzy, a daughter of Credit Winner co-owned by (trainer) Schnittker along with Jeff Gural, Ted Gewertz and Jerry Silva, is now 4-for-4 this season and 14-for-15 lifetime.

The evening’s other non-bettor was won by last season’s NYSS champ, Some Girls (Brian Sears) in 1:59.4. The Conway Hall miss, co-owned by (trainer) Gates Brunet, Jean Brunet, Michael Rosenthal and Ted Gewertz, has won twice in four seasonal starts and a career 10-for-15.

As for the three events on the wagering card, Nowerland Firebird (George Brennan, $10.60) made a successful sire stakes debut, overcoming the eight-hole to hold off 1-4 favorite Epona Blue Chip (Schnittker) by a half-length in 1:59.1.

Nowerland Firebird, a daughter of Cash Hall owned by Michi Yvette Abday and trained by Lou Pena, is now 2-for-4 this season.

Monday night’s other NYSS events were won by:

– Go Go Dancer (by Credit Winner); co-owners Jim Winske,Stephen Michaels.Rossie Smith,Kelley Racing/trainer Paul Kelley/driver Brian Mattison; 2:00.3/$13;

– Conwayslassie (by Conway Hall); co-owners D’Elegance Stb IX,TLP Stb,Player Here Stb,Carmen Iannacone/trainer Richard Johnson/driver Cat Manzi; 2:00.4/$6.

New York Sire Stakes continue here next Tuesday and Thursday (June 14 & 16), with events for 3-year-old trotters of both genders.