New York Sire Stakes racing continued Thursday night at Yonkers Raceway, as the track hosted the month-ending Jim Meagher Pace for two-year-old colts and geldings.
The five races honoured the memory of the track’s longtime corporate controller. His family made winner’s circle presentations.
Division 1
($39,900)
Southwind Masimo
(Pat Lachance, $3.80)
1:56.1
Odds-on Southwind Masimo, started from Post 4 and rolled to a 1:56.1 victory from second-over. Oneisalonelynumber (driven by Jim Morrill Jr.) cut the mile and was beaten by a length-a-quarter. Play the Field (Yannick Gingras) was third.
The winner, a son of Bettors Delight trained by Lachance for co-owners Hudson Standardbred and Conrad Leber, is now two-for-two.
“He can settle, and once he gets going, he does kick in late,” Lachance said.
Division 2
($39,900)
Bet You
(Yannick Gingras, $2.70)
1:56.4
Bet You fooled very few from Post 6 and went the distance in 1:56.4. We Think Alike (Jordan Stratton) was second and with Maurice (Lachance) finished third.
The winner is another son of Bettors Delight trained by Jimmy Takter for co-owners Christina Takter, John and Jim Fielding and Joyce McClelland. He broke his maiden in what was his third career start.
“(Bet You) was ready early,” Gingras—who baby-raced him three times—said, “I could have tucked third, but then I’d have to come first-up, so I just drove on.”
Division 3
($40,600)
Cartoon Daddy
(Yannick Gingras, $13)
1:53.4
After having started from Post 4, the Ron Burke-trained Cartoon Daddy (Gingras, $13) patrolled the pocket early, but the Art Major charge came out to win in 1:53.4. Lone Survivor (Eric Carlson) finished second and K Ryan Bluechip (Brian Sears) and Berkley (Scott Zeron) finished third and fourth, respectively.
“Tonight was the first time I’ve driven him, but I’ve raced against him and I know he has the talent,” Gingras said.
Division 4
($39,900)
Americanprimetime
(Tyler Buter, $4.60)
1:55.2
After having started from Post 2, Americanprimetime, by American Ideal, brushed to the lead at the quarter, and then stormed home to win by open lengths in a life’s best 1:55.2. Betting Exchange (Morrill Jr.) was second and Suchasenseofhumor (Gingras) was third.
“After he made the lead, he was just looking around for a horse to race,” Buter said.
Division 5
($40,600)
Azorean Art
(Morrill Jr., $40.60)
1:57.3
After having started from Post 6, Azorean Art prevailing after racing second-over and broke his maiden in 1:57.3. Nobettorplacetobe (Aaron Byron) was a pocket second at 45-1, with K Rock (Gingras) finishing third.
Azorean Art is an Art Major colt that is trained by Jimmy Takter for co-owners Christina Takter, Brixton Medical Ab, Hatfield Stables and Lothlorien.
(With files from Yonkers)