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

Yonkers, NY — After its regularly-scheduled intermission, Yonkers Raceway is back on Friday night (June 13), with a dozen races and the usual 7:10 p.m. first post.

The highlight of the program is the $44,000 Open Handicap Trot, carded as the sixth race and featuring the standout statebred Coraggioso. The 5-year-old homebred (Tom Durkin and Joe Spadaro) son of Conway Hall was sent behind the eight-ball, the same post he overcame in winning late last month. Brian Sears drives for trainer Julie Miller.

Tober (Jason Bartlett, post six) has been a bridesmaid to both Coraggioso and Archangel in his last two tries, while Melady’s Monet (Dan Dube, post five) was an Open winner in early May.

The $44,000 dowry is part of Yonkers’ new, approximately 15 percent, across-the-board purse increase which takes effect Friday. For more information, contact the race office at 914.457.2627.

After the Friday/Saturday programs, the Raceway’s five night per week live schedule resumes Monday (June 16), 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 daily.