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

Yonkers, NY — Thirteen 3-year-old pacers of the male gender — 11 colts and two geldings — have been entered for the 25th edition of Yonkers Raceway’s Art Rooney Pace.

The number has necessitated a pair of $40,000 elimination races this Saturday night (May 23), with the first four in each qualifying for the $300,000 final, set for a week from Saturday night (May 30).

First elimination (sixth race): 1-Arque Hanover (Jason Bartlett), 2-Soto (Brett Miller), 3-Sonofa Sizzle (David Miller), 4-Betting Exchange (David Miller also listed), 5-Cartoon Daddy (Yannick Gingras), 6-A Bettor Hat (George Brennan).

Second elimination (seventh race): 1-National Seelster (Dan Dube), 2-In The Arsenal (Brian Sears), 3-Rock N’ Roll World (Dube also listed), 4-Bet You (Brett Miller), 5-Rolling Ring Afire (Charlie Norris), 6-Penji Hanover (Mark MacDonald), 7-Western Pioneer (MacDonald also listed).

A Bettor Hat and Bet You are the geldings in the group.

The Art Rooney Pace, whose name was chosen by a fan vote, began in 1989, a year after the death of Art Sr. It was not contested in 2004-05, and raced at Monticello in 2006.

The companion event for the Rooney, the 11th Lismore for sophomore pacing fillies, attracted a half-dozen. It goes for $117,724 and is a one-dash event on Saturday (May 30).

The alphabetical roster is Bedroom Confessions, Purrfect Bags, Sassa Hanover, Special Package, Strut My Stuff and Totally Rusty ($15,000 supplemental entrant).