by Frank Drucker, Publicity Director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway
Yonkers, NY — If you gaze at his recent resume, it should be no secret that In Secret has been chosen to fill out the field for the $1 million Yonkers International Trot at Empire City Casino.
The 5-year-old gelding, a son of 2008 Trotter of the Year Deweycheatumnhowe, becomes the second American representative for the world-class, 1-1/4 mile event, hosted by Yonkers Raceway on Saturday afternoon (Oct. 14).
In Secret has been unbeatable of late locally, having won the last four Open Handicap events and six consecutive races overall. In this breakout season, he’s won nine of 20 starts (with five seconds and a pair of thirds) while banking $229,595.
In Secret has been driven by George Brennan for trainer Ron Burke, who (as Burke Racing) shares ownership with J&T Silva Stables, Larry Karr and Weaver Bruscemi.
The field for the event (alphabetically, with country of representation) is:
Dreammoko (FRA)
In Secret (USA)
Marion Marauder (CAN)
Midnight Hour (FIN)
Oasis Bi (ITA)
On Track Piraten (SWE)
Resolve (USA, defending champion)
Shadow Woodland (FIN)
Tripolini VP (DEN)
Twister Bi (ITA)
Please note that post positions for this race are to be drawn Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 10) at a midtown press luncheon. The 39th International (third since it was renewed in 2015) highlights the state’s richest-ever ($3.3 million) harness program, which also features the $1.8 million New York Day of Champions and a pair of $250,000 Invitationals (all other races are to be drawn Monday, Oct. 9).
Race day schedule:
1-NYSS Genesee Valley Farm 2YO Colt/Gelding Pace-1:00
2-NYSS Winbak Farm 2YO Filly Pace-1:20
3-NYSS Crawford Farm 2YO Filly Trot-1:40
4-NYSS Cameo Hills Farm 3YO Filly Pace-2:00
5-NYSS Harness Horse Breeders of NYS 2YO Colt/Gelding Trot-2:20
6-NYSS Blue Chip Farms 3YO Colt/Gelding Pace-2:40
7-Invitational Pace (Dan Rooney)-3:00
8-Invitational Trot (Harry Harvey)-3:30
9-Yonkers International Trot at Empire City Casino-4:00
10-NYSS Morrisville Coll. Equine Inst. 3YO Colt/Gelding Trot-4:30
11-NYSS Allerage Farm 3YO Filly Trot-5:00
Notes: all finals for NYSS are at flat mile with eight starters at $225,000 each; Invitational Trot is 1-1/4 miles with 10 starters at $250,000; Invitational Pace is flat mile with eight starters at $250,000; races 8 through 11 simulcast to French-hubbed audience.
More information about this program shall be sent when available.
- International Trot Video: Oasis Bi (Tuesday, October 03, 2017)
As the 2017 Yonkers International Trot at Empire City Casino approaches, the SOA of NY and Yonkers Raceway would like fans to get to know the competitors that will be heading state-side to take on the best in the world in the $1 million International Trot. In this video, learn a little bit more about 9-year-old Oasis Bi and his recent form in Europe as he prepares to compete in the International Trot for the third time.
- Brennan confident with In Secret ahead of Yonkers International Trot (Thursday, October 05, 2017)
In Secret has been an unstoppable force at Yonkers Raceway of late. He boasts a six-race win streak dating to July 2, the last four of which have come at the Open level. In Secret’s driver, George Brennan, hoped the trotter’s exploits would earn him an invitation to the Harry Harvey Trot on the Yonkers International Trot undercard Oct. 14. To his surprise, the raceway announced In Secret as a representative of the United States in the International this past Monday (Oct. 2).
- ‘I’ve never lost track of my dream’ (Monday, October 09, 2017)
Kim Eriksson’s trip to the U.S. for Saturday’s $1 million Yonkers International Trot at Empire City Casino will be different from the driver’s previous experiences in the States. “I wanted to work there around six years ago, but since I wasn’t good enough I didn’t get to drive anything but the wheelbarrow,” Eriksson said in an email. “So the return is definitely something I’m going to enjoy.”