Yonkers: Three-year-old male pacers battle in NYSS

On Thursday night (Aug. 29th) Yonkers Raceway hosted the $161,500 New York Sire Stakes Bruce Hamilton Pace for 3-year-old colts and geldings. The event once again honored the memory one of the state’s true get-it-done gentlemen, the long-time Executive Secretary of the Harness Horse Breeders of New York whose contributions to the industry were way too numerous to mention here. Although only of the $80,750 divisions was bettable, both winners were quite logical.

The pre-card quintet was led by Hickfromfrenchlick (Matt Kakaley), disposing of his four inside rivals in 1:52 4/5. Taking over from Major Blake (Jason Bartlett), Hickfromfrenchlick threw down intervals of 27 1/5, 56 1/5, and 1:24 4/5 before the final marker.

He defeated a misbehaved-early Artie’s Ideal (Marcus Miller) by a half-length, with Major Blake third. Respect Our Flag (Joe Bongiorno) and Bicorne Hanover (George Brennan) were the stragglers.

For Hickfromfrenchlick, a son of So Surreal co-owned by (trainer) Ray Schnittker, Nolamaura Racing and Thomas Spatarico, it was his seventh win (with two seconds and a third) in 10 seasonal starts ($275,886). Last season’s Sheppard winner here is now 11-for-17 lifetime,

“Use whatever word you want about him,” Kakaley said. “Fast, gusty, handy.”

Pole-sitting Rollwithpapajoe (Bongiorno, $5.80) finished what he started (28, 57 4/5, 1:25 1/5, and 1:53) a few races later.

Covered Bridge (Brian Sears) chased from the pocket, missing a length and three-quarters, while 13-10 fave Major March (Bartlett) was a two-move third. Dealer’s Table (Jordan Stratton) and Melodie’s Major (Tyler Buter) brought up the rear.

For ‘Papajoe,’ a Roll With Joe gelding co-owned by Barbara Bongiorno Stable, Bill Lambos & Dionisios Liberatos and trained by Jennifer Bongiorno, it was his fifth win in 15 ‘ 19 starts. The exacta paid $13, with neither triple nor superfecta wagering offered.

“He has such quick speed that he can put himself in good spots,” driver Bongiorno said.

--press release (Yonkers)--