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

Yonkers, NY — New York Sire Stakes continued downstate Thursday night (July 31), with Yonkers Raceway hosting the month-ending $200,900 Jim Meagher Pace for 2-year-old colts and geldings. The quintet of races honored the memory of the Raceway’s long-time corporate controller, with his family making winner’s circle presentations.

The $39,900 first division saw odds-on Southwind Masimo (Pat Lachance, $3.80), starting from post position No. 4, roll from second-over in 1:56.1. Oneisalonelynumber (Jim Morrill Jr.) cut the mile and was beaten by 1-1/4 lengths. Play The Field (Yannick Gingras) was third.

The winner, a son of Bettor’s Delight-Max’s Leading Lady, trained by Lachance for co-owners Hudson Standardbred and Conrad Leber, is now two-for-two. The exacta paid $10.80, the triple (three wagering faves in order) was $40.40.

“He can settle, and once he gets going, he does kick in late,” Lachance said.

The second $39,900 division saw Bet You (Gingras, $2.70) fool very few from post No. 6, going the distance in 1:56.4. We Think Alike (Jordan Stratton) was second, with Maurice (Lachance) third.

The winner, a son of Bettor’s Delight-Armbro Amoretto trained by Jimmy Takter for co-owners Christina Takter, John and Jim Fielding and Joyce McClelland, broke his maiden in his third career start. The exacta was $11.20 and the triple $6.

“(Bet You) was ready early,” said Gingras — who raced him three times in freshman events. “I could have tucked third, but then I’d have to come first-up, so I just drove on.”

Mayra Escamilla photo

Cartoon Daddy scored in 1:53.4, the fastest NYSS time of the night.

The $40,600 third division saw 1-5 support going to the previously-perfect, pole-sitting Freedomformysoul (Morrill Jr.). It was second choice Cartoon Daddy (Gingras, $13) — from post No. 4 — patrolling the pocket to Rockntouch (Brett Miller). He then ripped out of same to win by a couple of lengths in a life-best/night’s-fastest 1:53.4. Lone Survivor (Eric Carlson) was second, with K Ryan Bluechip (Brian Sears) third and Berkley (Scott Zeron) fourth.

As for Freedomformysoul, he was rank behind the gate, broke, rushed to catch the field, raced first-up, tired and eventually left the course. Nearly $8,500 of the $9,350 in the show pool went down with him.

The winner, a son of Art Major-Ask Alice, co-owned (as Burke Racing) by trainer Ron Burke and Joe DiScala Jr., is now three-for-four this season. He rebounded from an odds-on break of his own in the final of the Lawrence B. Sheppard Pace. The exacta paid $157, the triple $476, and the superfecta $7,614.

“Tonight was the first time I’ve driven him, but I’ve raced against him and I know he has the talent,” Gingras said.

The $39,900 fourth division featured Americanprimetime (Tyler Buter, $4.60), 13-10 here after a 78-1 win at Monticello. He made one decisive move here. From post No. 2, he brushed to the lead at the quarter, then stormed home by 2-3/4 lengths in a life-best 1:55.2. Betting Exchange (Morrill Jr.) was second, with Suchasenseofhumor (Gingras) third.

The winner, a homebred son of American Ideal-Prime Xample A owned by Rock And Roll Stable and trained by Rick Dane, has won two of his three first-season starts. The exacta was $26.60, the triple $56.50.

“After he made the lead, he was just looking around for a horse to race,” Buter said.

The $40,600 fifth division saw prices finish first and second, with Azorean Art (Morrill Jr., $40.60), from post No. 6, prevailing from second-over in a maiden-breaking 1:57.3. Nobettorplacetobe (Aaron Byron) was a pocket second at 45-1, with K-Rock (Gingras third). Sicily (Sears) faded to fourth at just-over even money. The exacta was $797, the triple $1,838, and the superfecta $35,595 (base $2 payout).

The winner, an Art Major-Dancin Barefoot colt, is trained by Jimmy Takter for co-owners Christina Takter, Brixton Medical AB, Hatfield Stables and Lothlorien.

New York Sire Stakes continue Monday night, with the $221,000 Joe Goldstein Trot (3-year-old fillies).