by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway
Yonkers, NY — Statebreds returned downstate Monday night (July 13), with Yonkers Raceway hosting the $149,524 New York Sire Stakes Milt Taylor Trot for 2-year-old colts and geldings.
Four divisions comprised the event, which played out rather form fully.
Mike Lizzi photo
Andrew Goldstein won the opening division in a time of 2:00.4.
Odds-on number Andrew Goldstein (Kim Crawford, $3.50) did his damage in the $36,856 opening division. Pocketed from post position No. 4, he rolled right over Gremlin Wilson (John Cummings Jr.), then widened to win by four lengths in a maiden-breaking 2:00.4. Second went to Rose Run Ransom (John Plutino), with Gremlin Wilson lasting for third.
Andrew Goldstein, an RC Royalty-Final Time gelding trained by his driver for owner Steven Goldstein, is now
one-for-two to begin his career. The exacta (two wagering choices) paid $14.20, with the triple returning $58.
“We’re just trying to uphold the Goldstein name,” the chauffeur said of the connections who’ve enjoyed a fair amount of success with Crawford-trained and driven/Goldstein-surnamed trotters.
Brian Sears doubled his fun, winning the second and third events ($37,556 each) with popular numbers Dayson ($3.10) and Reve Royale ($3.40).
The former, a Conway Hall-Nervey’s Taurus gelding, strolled from post No. 5. He whipped a steppy Smalltownthrowdown (Dan Daley) by 2-1/4 lengths in 2:01 for a second consecutive NYSS/career victory. The Perfect Lindy (Mark MacDonald) was third.
Dayson is trained by Howard Okusko for co-owners Margaret and Amy Butler. The exacta paid $12, with the triple returning $79.
Reve Royale, a son of RC Royalty-Dream Street leaving from post No. 4, was patiently pocketed before getting his marching orders. He rolled home by four lengths in 2:01 for a second consecutive NYSS/career victory. Cupid (Trond Smedshammer) cut the early portion of the mile and held second, with Dante (Ake Svandstedt) third.
Reve Royale is trained by George Ducharme for co-owners Paul Fontaine, Raymond Campbell Jr. and Alfred Ross. The exacta paid $15.20, with the triple returning $140.
“We think he has a lot of talent and a good turn of speed,” Ducharme said. “We’re just trying to teach him as we go along.”
The evening’s final $37,556 sire stakes division saw second choice Credevie (Smedshammer, $6), from post No. 7, leave for a seat then prevail from second-over in a night’s-fastest (and maiden-breaking) 2:00.3. Southern Palms (Marcus Miller) chased the winner home, beaten three-quarters of a length in a pari-mutuel debut, with Chargin’ Cadet (Ray Schnittker) third. Allerage Echo (Sears) was a non-threatening fourth as the 17-10 favorite.
Credevie, a Credit Winner-Fleur De Vie gelding trained by Smedshammer for owner Purple Haze Stables, is now one-for-two to begin his career.
The Raceway’s live season continues with a “French-centric” Tuesday matinee (post time 1 p.m.), then Thursday through Saturday (all at 7:10 p.m.). Evening simulcasting accompanies all night programs, with afternoon simulcasting available daily.