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

Yonkers, NY — The $48,300 Goalie Jeff, a New York-Bred Late Closer for frosh pacing fillies, went as a quintet on Monday night (September 10) at Yonkers Raceway.

Stephane Bouchard, the Raceway’s leading driver, had his picture taken after three of the events.

Bouchard won the first ($9,700) event with odds-on Queen Of The Stars ($2.70), who went the distance in a flat 2:00. The daughter of Village Jove, owned by Tina Raia and trained by Glenn Raia, prevailed by 1-3/4 lengths for her third consecutive victory.

Bouchard also won the final two Late Closers, worth $9,700 and $9,600, respectively, with Princess Julia ($14) and Twin B Snicker ($5.30).

The former, a Pacific Fella lass, rolled on the front end by three lengths in a life-best 1:59.1 after 2-5 choice Slainte (Dan Dube) jumped early. Art Green trained for Maritime owner F. Ian Smith.

The latter exploded down the backside, busting her race wide open en route to an 8-1/2 length victory in 2:01.2. Jody Weidman trained the Art Major ma’am for himself and co-owner John Orsaio, Jr.

Monday night’s other two Goalie Jeff jaunts, valued at $9,700 and $9,600, were won by:

• Bet The Ranch (by Bettor’s Delight); co-owners Edward Gold and Harvey Zunich/trainer Jessica Okusko/driver Jeff Gregory; 1:59.4/$4.40
• Jeffery’s Girl (by Space Shuttle); owner Gary Haas/trainer David Duspiva/driver Pat Berry; (life-best) 2:01/$17

The $1.2 million New York Night of Champions is scheduled for Saturday night, September 15. As always, eight $150,000 divisional finals shall be contested. The draw is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. Please visit www.nysirestakes.com for further information.

Live racing is currently offered at Yonkers with six programs per week — Monday through Saturday nights at 7:40 p.m. Harness and thoroughbred simulcasting is available seven days a week, while Empire City’s nearly 5,500 video gaming machines are in play daily from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m.