Yonkers: Calculus Risk, Chapvious score in New York Sire Stakes

Calculus Risk and Chapvious gave sire Devious Man a sweep in the $74,500 New York Sire Stakes divisions for rookie trotting fillies that headlined Tuesday night's (June 25) program at MGM Yonkers Raceway.

Shonda and trainer-driver Trond Smedshammer posted fractions of 28 3/5, 1:00 and 1:30 1/5 in the first split, but Calculus Risk was guided first-over by driver Jordan Stratton heading to three-quarters, made steady progress on the outside, and went past Shonda in the stretch on her way to the victory by three-quarters of a length in 2:00 1/5. Shonda held second from pocket-sitter Morning Angel (Scott Zeron).

Perry Simser trains Calculus Risk, who was bred by Winbak Farm, for owners Dennis Nye, Carl Leuchten and Jodi Leuchten. Calculus Risk finished second and first in a pair of baby races at Saratoga, broke her maiden in her pari-mutuel debut and returned $3.50 to win as the 3-5 favorite. The exacta was worth $6.30 and the trifecta kicked back $14.80.

The second flight played out in similar fashion as Royal Mission (Zeron) had control through stations of 29 3/5, 1:00 1/5 and 1:29 4/5 with Chapvious (Jason Bartlett) committing to a first-over attack out of the third spot on the way to three-quarters. Chapvious moved up on the rim to get side-by-side with Royal Mission late on the final bend, and although Royal Mission was game, Chapvious was able to wear her down late in the mile and was up for the win by a neck in 1:58. On The Radio (Tyler Buter) collected third.

A homebred for Purple Haze Stables LLC., Chapvious was sent out by trainer George Ducharme. A half-sister to Chapercraz, last year's NYSS champion in the 3-year-old male trotting group, Chapvious tallied in both of her qualifiers at Vernon Downs and added tonight's win to her ledger so far. She was the 7-5 choice, returning $4.90 to win and keying a $12.60 exacta and a $31.80 trifecta.

► Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter

There were also a pair of $20,000 New York Excelsior "A" Series tests for the 2-year-old filly trotters on the card, and they were won by Tuff Stuff (by Chapter Seven, bred by Eli Miller, paid $21.40 to win) in 2:03 for trainer/driver John Stark Jr. and owner Barbato Breeding LLC. and Smoke Show (by Credit Winner and bred by owner Kevin Manley, paid $4.50 to win) in 2:02 4/5 for driver Jordan Stratton and trainer Julie Miller.

New York Sire Stakes action continues at MGM Yonkers Raceway on Thursday night (June 27) with two sections for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings, with purses of $77,300 and $78,700, going as races four and seven on the 11-race program.

Friday night (June 28) showcases one of the biggest programs of the season at MGM Yonkers Raceway as the Trotting and Pacing Triple Crowns for sophomore colts and geldings begin with the $300,000 MGM Yonkers Trot and the $225,000 MGM Grand Messenger Stakes finals, plus there are the $90,000 Park MGM Pace and two $55,000 New York New York Mile contests for 3-year-old fillies. Fans attending the races live on Friday will be treated to an outdoor market on the track apron. An integration of the casino and track worlds will take place as patrons from both sides of the gambling world will be welcomed to enjoy special food stands, live music and other promotional items as part of a Triple Crown Fan Fest.

MGM Yonkers Raceway is currently operating on a Monday-Tuesday-Thursday-Friday-Saturday live racing schedule with post time each night at 7 p.m. (EDT), but the oval will play host to a Wednesday program tomorrow night (June 26).

--press release (Yonkers)--