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

Yonkers, NY — Statebreds — Late Closer legion — invaded Yonkers Raceway Tuesday night (August 4) for the $50,500 On The Road Again Pace.

Mike Lizzi photo

Mr Artline scored in 1:56.4 for driver Jordan Stratton.

Four divisions of 3-year-old colts and geldings were carded, with Mr Artline winning for Mr. Hartline in the evening’s quickest of the quartet. Jordan Stratton drove the son of Art Major for Anatolia Racing Stable and trainer Jake Hartline in the $12,700 final event. The winner, now 2-for-10 this season, sat pocketed to 3-10 favorite Dali Hanover (Stephane Bouchard), before winning by 3-1/2 lengths in a life-best 1:56.4. LP’s Magic (Jim Marohn, Jr.) was second, with Seafoodpaysthebills (Jeff Gregory) third. Dali Hanover faded to fourth.

Seattle Moon (Jason Bartlett), as the odds-on choice, survived an early break to win the third ($12,600) grouping, holding off Touch Of The Past (Stratton) by a head in 1:58.2. Seattle Moon returned $3.80 for his second victory in a dozen ’09 tries. John Stark, Jr. trains the son of Riverboat King for Winbak Farm.

Tuesday night’s other Late Closer events, at $12,600 each, went to:

• Goodnite Goodluck (by Bettor’s Delight); owner Michael Polansky/trainer Dave Spagnola/driver Gregory; 1:59.2/non-bettor;
• Allmyrowdyfriends, g (by Bettor’s Delight); owner Bill Reepmeyer/trainer John Rybka, Jr./driver Billy Dobson; 1:59.2/non-bettor.

New York Sire Stakes continue Friday night, August 7, with Yonkers Raceway hosting the $214,224 Rye Pace for 3-year-olds fillies. Four divisions — going as races four, five, six and eight — are part of the 13-race program.