by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Yonkers Raceway’s premier events for the “mature” crowd begin this weekend, with opening rounds of both the Blue Chip Matchmaker (Friday) and George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series (Saturday) as the Grand Circuit invades New York.

“Ladies first” finds five $40,000 Matchmaker divisions, going as races four, six, seven, nine and 10. Trainer Ron Burke, who nominated nine mares to the series, is making them all wing for their supper in the first foray.

Friday night’s first grouping includes last season’s Lady Maud winner, Bettor B Lucky (Tim Tetrick, post seven), pari-mutuelly positioned with Hot List (Yannick Gingras, post one). Also in the sewing circle are millionairess Western Silk (Brian Sears, post three) and last week’s Open Handicap winner, Krispy Apple (Matt Kakaley, post five).

The second division finds Ginger And Fred (Kakaley, post two) making her seasonal debut while looking to add to her $1.7 million bankroll. She’s teamed with Camille (Gingras, post six).

Friday’s third get-together has the likes of Rock N Soul (Gingras, post three), who’s partnered with Darena Hanover (Kakaley, post six). They draw in against standout statebred — and horse for the course — Handsoffmycookie (Tim Tetrick, post four), along with classy lass Feeling You (Tyler Buter, post one).

The fourth Matchmaker event sees defending series champ Rocklamation (Gingras, post five) — with $1.2 million on account — collide with milllionairess twice over Anndrovette (Tetrick, post seven). The latter is a two-time divisional champion. The former is in partnership with Foxy Lady (Kakaley, post three).

Friday’s final series group includes Ramona Disomma (Dan Dube, post four), who crosses the river with two consecutive wins.

Saturday’s opening round of the Levy is comprised of six consecutive $50,000 divisions, going as races five through 10.

The series once again serves as the annual launch party for Foiled Again. The sport’s all-time richest pacer ($4.625 million), who’s also a two-time series champion (2009-2010), drew the pylons in the final series event. Foiled Again, a 9-year-old Real Artist gelding making his 170th career start, has earned a million racing in Westchester alone.

Gingras again takes the seat for Burke, as he does behind Atochia. Another of Burke’s half-dozen Levy entrants, the defending series champ — and $1.7 million winner — landed post No. 6 in the evening’s fifth division.

Leading the first division is Versado (Sears, post six after an inside scratch), already a six-figure earner this season with wins in half of his 10 starts.

The second event includes double-millionaire One More Laugh (Tetrick, post two) and $1.1 million winner Annieswesterncard (Gingras, post five).

Division three features season-debuting millionaire Clear Vision (Gingras, post two), while the fourth event includes all-age track record holder Sapphire City (Brent Holland, post two).

The Raceway’s five night per week live schedule continues with first post every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:10 p.m. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.