Yonkers: Springsteen, Heavenly Sound make their papa proud in New York Sire Stakes

Springsteen and Heavenly Sound, both colts by Rock N Roll Heaven, gave their sire a sweep of the New York Sire Stakes action for 3-year-old male pacers on Monday night at Yonkers Raceway.

Lyons Steel (Scott Zeron) led the first $85,250 group through opening-half fractions of 26 4/5 and 55 1/5, but Topville Olympian (Brian Sears) pulled first-up from the three-hole past the half and put a nose in front at the 1:23 1/5 three-quarters, with Springsteen (David Miller) following the cover. Topville Olympian was able to clear past three-quarters, leaving Springsteen first-over, but he didn't lose interest, driving on and taking over the lead in the lane. From there, the George Hempt Memorial winner kicked away, winning by 2 3/4 lengths in 1:51 1/5. Rootin Tootin (Mark MacDonald) out-finished Topville Olympian to finish second.

Rene Allard trains Springsteen for owners Allard Racing Inc., Bruce Soulsby, Alan Weisenberg, and Kapildeo Singh. This was Springsteen's sixth career victory, and he has now earned $522,048. The 1-5 favorite, Springsteen paid $2.50 to win.

In the other $86,750 division, Art Rooney Pace winner and public choice Trump Nation (Jason Bartlett) came on to get the lead past the 27 4/5 opening quarter, and would go on to reach the half in 56 3/5. He was under siege from a first-up Ghost Dance (Scott Zeron) at the 1:24 1/5 three-quarters, though, with Heavenly Dance (Jim Marohn Jr.) waiting from second-over after catching up to the cover.

Ghost Dance and Trump Nation continued their battle around the far turn, but both gave way in the lane, with Heavenly Sound getting the jump on the rest of the closers and taking the lead. Ostro Hanover (Miller), who had followed Heavenly Sound from third-over, gained as well, but he fell a length short, with Heavenly Sound getting home on top in a 1:52 4/5 effort. Stendahl Hanover (Marcus Miller) would be placed from fourth to third after My Delight (Brent Holland) was moved back from third to fifth for causing stretch interference to Rockapelo (Sears).

Heavenly Sound is trained by Bruce Saunders for owner M & M Harness Racing LLC. Heavenly Sound is now an eight-time winner in his life, and he pushed his bankroll to $156,545. A 6-1 shot, Heavenly Sound returned $14.80 to win.