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

Yonkers, NY — Yonkers Raceway begins its 2009 stakes season this weekend, with the opening round of the Hopeful Pacing Series for 3-year-olds of both genders.

The series, open to sophomores who were non-winners of two races and $20,000 through last Dec. 1, offers three preliminary legs leading to a $40,000 (est.) final.

This weekend’s first leg features four $10,000 events for fillies on Friday night (Feb. 20) and five $10,000 events for colts and geldings on Saturday night (Feb. 21).

With the quintet of Hopefuls on Saturday, many of the high-end events have been moved to Monday night (Feb. 23). A quick glance at the Monday program finds a $75,000 claimer (purse $24,000), a $50,000 claimer (purse $21,000) and a couple of $25,000 claimers ($13,000 each).