by Frank Drucker, Publicity Director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Yonkers Raceway’s Saturday night program includes the $150,000 Frederick Fialkow Invitational Pace. Post time is 6:50 p.m., with the six-figure invite going as the eighth race.

Noble Falcon (Dave Palone, post eight) crosses the river having won his last five races, the last four in sub-1:50 fashion. The 4-year-old Nobleland Sam gelding, owned by Francis Azur and trained by Kevin McDermott, enters with a dozen victories in 28 seasonal starts ($233,486). Noble Falcon’s resume overcame his post, as he was accorded the role of 3-1 early favorite.

Western Smoocher (Stephane Bouchard, post four), a .500 hitter (11-for-22) in ’08, has won twice in his last three tries for Team Annunziata — owner Richard and trainer Ettore. The 4-year-old Western Ideal gelding has been competing almost exclusively against his own age group — either in Opens or claimers — since mid-March.

Western Ace (Jason Bartlett, post five) has banked in excess of $130,000 this season, despite losing 18 of his 19 starts. The 5-year-old Western Ideal gelding, co-owned by (trainer) George Teague and Kovach Stables, is one of two career millionaires in the field.

The other millionaire is Kenneth J (Ron Pierce, post seven), the two-time New York Sire Stakes champion. The 4-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight, trained by Linda Toscano for owner Ken Jacobs, has a second and a third to show for four ’08 work days/nights.

Saturday’s race is named for Fred Fialkow, who passed away this past May at age 76. Mr. Fialkow and and wife, Anita, have had one of the Raceway’s most successful stables, with any number of talented performers. Their best horses have included Keystone Rodeo (lifetime earnings of $708,660), former George Morton Levy Series participant Eyes On Kassa ($592,525), Goin To The Beach ($430,403), Percee Angus ($424,534) and Glen Mark Lucky ($423,789).

Friends and family of Fred Fialkow will be in the winner’s circle for the presentation.

The invitational field, with declared drivers and morning line odds, is as follows: 1-Psilvuheartbreaker (Jim Meittinis, 6-1); 2-Western Ace (Jason Bartlett, 5-1); 3-Cheyenne Hollywood (Cat Manzi, 10-1); 4-Western Smoocher (Stephane Bouchard, 7-2); 5-Foiled Again (Yannick Gingras, 8-1); 6-All Over The Place (Dan Dube, 8-1); 7-Kenneth J (Ron Pierce, 12-1); and 8-Noble Falcon (Jordan Stratton, 3-1).

Yonkers’ six-night-per-week live harness schedule (Monday through Friday — all at 7:40 p.m. — and Saturday — 6:50 p.m.) is in effect through October. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.