Yonkers: Blue Ivy, Machnhope look to upset Alexa Skye in Matchmaker

Monday's $232,800 final of the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series at Yonkers Raceway could provide harness racing fans with the showdown between the streaking Alexa Skye and the resilient Blue Ivy, or perhaps an outsider or two can sneak into the picture if those two lock horns. The post draw set the field in an order that handicaps Alexa Skye (post six) and benefits multi-leg winners Blue Ivy (post three) and the Noel Daley-trained Machnhope (post one).

"It's the draw I was dreaming about," said Daley, elated that his rugged 6-year-old will go for the big money with the best draw. "Other than the mares that drew outside (post seven and eight), everyone is going to be pressing forward early."

Daley acquired Machnhope in June of last year when racing in Ontario was put on hold. She's been a consistent money-maker since then for Daley and his partners.

"We bought her in June, and the owners had their money back by year's end," said Daley, who shares ownership with Deo Volente Farms LLC., Tom Pontone and L A Express Stable LLC.

Machnhope had two wins and a second in the series prior to last week's third-place finish behind Blue Ivy.

"She wasn't as sharp last week, but she'll be ready for the final," said Daley.

Blue Ivy was, in fact, quite sharp. While facing a minimal number of foes, driver Tyler Buter sped away alertly from the pole position and never looked back on his way to an impressive 1:52 3/5 victory.

"I wanted to get away from Machnhope," said Buter, who was ecstatic with Blue Ivy's mile and her snappy 27 2/5 final quarter.

"She's as sharp as ever," said Buter of Blue Ivy, who has competed in all five preliminary legs and hasn't thrown in a bad race yet. "It should be a good race between her and Alexa Skye."

The two mares met just once during the preliminary legs. Alexa Skye was a safe wire-to-wire winner, while Blue Ivy sat off a slow pace and finished well for minor honors.

With the six-figure purse riding on Monday night, it's doubtful that anyone will get away with soft fractions. Alexa Skye and driver Todd McCarthy are certainly coming into this race in great shape, sweeping all four of the preliminary legs they competed in for trainer Jeff Cullipher.

"She was just an average 3-year-old," said Daley of his rival on Monday. "She's come a long way, first for Brett (Pelling), and now for Cullipher. I think Todd (McCarthy) has seen that she responds well when you get after her."

Alexa Skye, a daughter of Somebeachsomewhere, is the lone 4-year-old in the eight-horse field. She enters the final with seven wins in nine starts this season, including a 1:51 2/5 victory at Yonkers on March 12 that stands as the fastest of all the elimination legs. Alexa Skye's last loss came at Yonkers when she was caught at the wire in an Open on February 25 by another of Monday night's finalists, Siesta Beach. Trainer Nick Devita sends out Siesta Beach (post two), as well as Caviart Cherie (post seven) in the final. Siesta Beach has been in impressive form this year at Yonkers with her 2021 bankroll already eclipsing her entire earnings from 2020 in just half the starts. Siesta Beach scored her lone Blue Chip Matchmaker Series victory of 1:54 3/5 in a fourth-round division on April 2. Matt Kakaley will guide the 5-year-old by American Ideal.

While trainer Ron Burke was fortunate to qualify three horses for Monday's companion feature, the MGM Borgata Pacing Series final, he'll send out but one in the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series final, with Snobbytown (post five) looking for the upset. George Brennan has guided the 5-year-old by Nob Hill High to three straight on-the-board finishes in the series. Snobbytown took the final preliminary leg off and should be fresh and ready for a big effort.

Rounding out the field for the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series final, which will be race seven of 10 on the Yonkers program, is Monica Gallagher (post four) with Jason Bartlett and My Ruebe Star N (post eight) with Jordan Stratton in the sulky.