by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Yonkers Raceway this week offers a plethora of stakes action, both statebred and open.

New York Sire Stakes freshman pacers invade Thursday and Friday nights, with the $257,608 Clyde Hirt (2-year-old fillies) and $257,257 Jim Meagher (2-year-old colts/geldings), respectively.

The Hirt goes in a half-dozen divisions — including two off the card — while the Meagher offers seven groups in consecutive races (3 through 9).

Among the promising plebes are:

Hayworth Blue Chip, a Bettor’s Delight filly who drew post position No. 3 in the fifth Hirt division (sixth race). Hayworth Blue Chip was a wire-to-wire winner in her division of the Landmark last weekend at Goshen (1;57.3) after a pair of solid Meadowlands qualifiers. Co-owner/trainer Ray Schnittker does the honors himself.

JK Fine Art, a daughter of Art Major who drew the always-appreciated eight hole (sixth division, seventh race) in the Hirt for her purse debut. She was the easiest of winners in her most recent Meadowlands qualifier (1:54.3). Tim Tetrick, her driver in all three qualifiers, comes across the river.

JK Panache, a son of Art Major leaving from outside post No. 7 in the second Meagher grouping (fourth race). He won his division of the Landmark at Goshen last weekend. Jason Bartlett gets the assignment for trainer Linda Toscano.

Rock Man, an Art Major gelding, was a Vernon winner in his pari-mutuel debut. He sees the eight hole in the third Meagher event (fifth race), with Jeff Gregory driving for trainer Howard Okusko.

Artillery Major, an American Ideal colt, also won at the Landmark after a pair of winning qualifiers. It’s Bartlett, Toscano and post No. 4 in the fourth Meagher contest (sixth race).

Steelhead Hanover, a son of Bettor’s Delight, begins his pari-mutuel/purse career off a pair of blowout Pocono qualifiers. Trainer Joe Pavia, Jr. takes a seat from the pole in the seventh division of the Meagher (ninth race).

Saturday night, Yonkers Raceway presents its two premier trotting events of the season, the $445,474 Yonkers Trot — first jewel of the Trotting Triple Crown — and the $237,714 Hudson Filly. Seven 3-year-olds were entered in each race.

Entrants for the 57th Yonkers Trot, in alphabetical order, are Bambino Hall (George Brennan), Celebrity Bombay (Bartlett), Del Cielo (Brennan also listed), Evil Urges (Jimmy Whittemore), Leader Of The Gang (David Miller), Live Jazz (Jim Meittinis) and Pegasus Blue Chip (Yannick Gingras).

Contestants for the Hudson, again in alphabetical order, are Angelette Hanover (Brennan), Cabaret Princess (Miller), Creme De Cocoa (Doug R. Ackerman), Iron Lady (Cat Manzi), Jezzy (Schnittker), Lady Rainbow (Jeff Gregory) and Thatsnotmyname (Jimmy Takter).

Post positions for both races shall be drawn Wednesday at a Raceway press luncheon.