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

Yonkers, NY — New York Sire Stakes action continues downstate throughout a good portion of the race week.

Yonkers Raceway hosts the $219,800 New Rochelle Trot for 3-year-old fillies on Tuesday (June 23). There are five divisions, including two off the wagering card. Friday night (June 26), the $215,464 Armand Palatucci Trot for 3-year-old colts and geldings goes in a fearsome foursome (races five, six, eight and nine).

Without question, the best was saved for last. The fourth ($54,116) event includes a trio of last week’s NYSS winners in Big Sky Domino (Cat Manzi, post one), Russell Hill (Jim Morrill, Jr., post four) and Judge Joe (Doug R. Ackerman, post seven).

Big Sky Domino enters with consecutive sire stakes wins (Buffalo and here) and three wins in four seasonal starts. Chris Marino trains the CR Excalibur gelding for owner Domenico Costagliola.

Russell Hill and Judge Joe have been the statebreds standouts to date, going a combined 8-for-10 with ’09 earnings of more than $220,000.

Russell Hill, a Conway Hall colt, overcame a tough draw a week ago to make short work of his NYSS foes. Jimmy Takter trains him — 4-for-6 this season — for the Canadian contingent of Al Libfeld, Marvin Katz and Sam Goldband.

Judge Joe, a perfect 4-for-4 this season (3-for-3 in NYSS competition), hasn’t done a whole lot wrong for Team Ackerman. He was the easiest of winners here a week ago, going over the $380,000 career earnings plateau in the process. Doug Ackerman trains the homebred Credit Winner colt.

Friday night is the final NYSS invasion here until mid-July.