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

Yonkers, NY — Tuesday night, September 2, was Ladies Night in Westchester, with Yonkers Raceway hosting the $239,535 New York Sire Stakes Mount Vernon Pace for 3-year-old filly pacers.

A field of 35 femmes were daintily divided into a quintet of $47,907 events, with divisional standout Artimittateslife (Stephane Bouchard) turning in the night’s fastest effort in 1:54.2. Leaving from post position four, the 3-10 choice had to patiently wait her turn before grabbing the big chair.

Mike Lizzi photo

Artimittateslife was a 1:54.2 winner for Stephane Bouchard.

Artimittateslife made the lead around Won Night Stand (Ron Pierce) after a :27.2 opening quarter-mile, and thus ended any and all suspense. She found a :57 intermission and 1:25.4 three-quarters, taking a two length lead into the lane. “Artimittates” won by 2- 1/4 unpressured lengths, with Four Starz Melody (Jim Morrill, Jr.) edging Diva Delight (Keith Kash, Jr.) for bridesmaid honors.

Artimittateslife, a daughter of Art Major-Oven Mitt trained by Ed Hart for the Canadian contingent of Robert Young, Paul Gazzola and Brian Barton, now has seven wins, two seconds and two thirds in her dozen seasonal starts. The ’08 earnings are in excess of $370,000.

She rewarded her low-risk takers to the tune of $2.60, leading an $8.90 exacta and $23.80 triple.

“She just tries every week,” Hart said. “She’s learned to leave the gate (as a 3-year-old), and that certainly helps when you race in New York.”

Tuesday night’s other NYSS divisions went to Hannah Isabel (Bettor’s Delight-Ru Girl), co-owners Marilyn and Heiman Gross/trainer Jean Drolet/driver Yannick Gingras, 1:54.3/$2.50; Ladycino (Bettor’s Delight-Allamerican Reach), owner M & L of Delaware/trainer Larry Rathbone/driver Morrill Jr., 1:55/$3.30; Penny Pincher (Bettor’s Delight-Armbro Penelope), co-owners William and Jack Heinz/trainer Jim Perry/driver Kash Jr., 1:56/$6.70; and Delightful Diva (Bettor’s Delight-Mellowood Abby), owner Purple Haze Stables/trainer Jessica Okusko/driver Ron Pierce, 1:59/$9.20.

New York Sire Stakes action continues here Thursday night, with four divisions of the $233,863 Tuckahoe Pace (sophomore colts/geldings). Friday night offers the $197,500 Jim Meagher Pace, quartered for 2-year-old colts and geldings.