by Frank Drucker, Publicity Director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — New York Sire Stakes continue downstate Friday night (Sept. 9) with Yonkers Raceway hosting the $167,874 New York Sire Stakes Dick McGuire for 3-year-old colts and geldings. A pair of $83,937 divisions comprised the event.

Mike Lizzi photo

Smalltownthrowdown avenges his loss in the Yonkers Trot with a victory in NYSS action.

The opening octet was led by Smalltownthrowdown (Dan Daley, $10.20), getting a measure of satisfaction after a Yonkers Trot ‘just-miss.’ From post position seven, he gave nothing else a chance (:28.1, :58, 1:26.4, 1:55.3) in a mile that was actually three-fifths of a second faster than Marion Marauder’s effort six nights ago

‘Smalltown’s’ work night was made easier when 2-5 choice Dayson (Jim Morrill Jr.) broke in the second turn after working his way into a pocket. The eventual winner opened four lengths in the lane before defeating pocket-inheriting Dante (Ake Svanstedt) by 4-3/4 lengths. Master Class (Jordan Stratton) was third.

For second choice Smalltownthrowdown, a Cash Hall gelding trained by his driver for co-owners Ann-Mari Daley, James Crawford IV, Donald Brenner and Richard Lombardo, it was his sixth win in 15 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $52.50, with the triple returning $211.50.

Svanstedt, a bridesmaid in the first event, teamed with slight choice The Royal Harry ($6.80) to win the second division in 1:57.

Leaving into a two-hole from post six, he stalked Dog Gone Lucky (Tyler Buter) early (:28.2, :58.2). The Royal Harry then vacated the cones, taking over by the 1:27.2 three-quarters.

He had three lengths in and out of the final turn before winning by 1-2/4 lengths. Daley was second this time around with Royal Bachelor, while Drazzmatazz (Mark MacDonald) was third.

For The Royal Harry, an RC Royalty colt trained by his driver for co-owners William Pozefsky and Michael Polansky, he’s now five-for-11 this season. The exacta paid $88, with the triple returning $472.

Friday night’s $45,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace was won by favored Mach It A Par (Brian Sears, $4.80). The 6-year-old setting a new track record 1:50.3 for her older group.

Sire stakes continue here Monday night (Sept.12) with the $147,723 New York Sire Stakes Pat Quaglietta Trot for 2-year-old fillies.