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

Yonkers, NY — The Maritime Militia has descended upon Middletown, New York.

World champions Somebeachsomewhere and Shadow Play, the primary players in Yonkers Raceway’s Saturday night production of the $650,000 Messenger Stakes, have hit town.

Or about an hour’s north of it, anyway.

Mike Lizzi photo

Somebeachsomewhere (Brent MacGrath-at left) and Shadow Play (Dr. Ian Moore-at right) hit the track together this morning.

We have indisputable visual evidence that The Beach and Shadow Play, along with Santanna Blue Chip, have made their way to Mark Ford’s brand-spanking new training facility in preparation for the final jewel of the Pacing Triple Crown.

“He’s ready for Yonkers,” co-owner/trainer Brent MacGrath said as he took the son of Mach Three out to stretch his legs. “He shipped good and his mind’s on his business…but then it always is.”

Somebeachsomewhere, the fastest 3-year-old pacer in harness history (1:46.4) and richest pacer of 2008 ($1,750,003), starts outside his five rivals as the 1-2 early favorite. He aims for an eighth consecutive victory.

Shadow Play, like SBSW a Maritime-based colt, looks to add the Messenger to his stakes wins at the Adios, Little Brown Jug and Windy City. For the season, the son of The Panderosa has won a dozen of his 21 starts and $723,446. He drew post position five as the 5-2 second choice.

“(Shadow Play) is just getting better every day,” co-owner/trainer Dr. Ian Moore said. “We like our chances. We wouldn’t have put up the ($60,000) supplement if we didn’t.”

MacGrath and Moore, who’ve been friends “for longer than I can remember,” according to the latter, escorted their charges in tandem early Thursday morning.

Santanna Blue Chip, a millionaire in his own right, is back for his first local visit since finishning second in the $538,270 final of this summer’s Art Rooney Pace.

Somebeachsomwhere, Shadow Play and Santanna Blue Chip, along with Legacy N Diamonds (“Santanna’s” stablemate), Brother Ray and Dali are set to contest the 53rd edition of the Messenger, carded as the 10th race on the 13-race program. First post is 6:50 p.m., with approximate post for the Messenger at 10:00 p.m. (EDT).

The complete field for the Messenger Stakes, with drivers and morning line odds: 1-Legacy N Diamonds (George Brennan, 12-1); 2-Brother Ray (Jason Bartlett, 15-1); 3-Dali (Pat Lachance, 20-1); 4-Santanna Blue Chip (Tony Morgan, 12-1, coupled with Legacy N Diamonds); 5-Shadow Play (David Miller, 5-2); and 6-Somebeachsomewhere (Paul MacDonell, 1-2).

Saturday night’s undercard is led by the $381,030 final of the Lady Maud, for 3-year-old pacing fillies (ninth race). 1-Artimittateslife (Stephane Bouchard, 7-5); 2-Cheyenne Trish (Jim Meittinis, 5-1), 3-Happy Dreamer (Andy Miller, 6-1); 4-See And Be Seen (George Brennan, 10-1); 5-Sand Pleasure (Bartlett, 12-1); 6-Stylish Artist (David Miller, 4-1); 7-Thong (Morgan, 10-1, coupled with See And Be Seen); and 8-Hannah Isabel (Yannick Gingras, 8-1).

A pair of $100,000 invitationals — the Oleg Cassini Trot (eighth race) and Hudson Valley Pace (11th race) — are also on the program.