North American News - Triple Crown spotlight shines on Yonkers

Friday night at MGM Yonkers Raceway marks the start of two of the most prestigious harness racing series for three-year-olds with the Grade 2 $250,000 MGM Yonkers Trot and the Grade 2 $200,000 MGM Grand Messenger Stakes bringing together many of the season’s emerging stars.

The draw has created some fascinating fields, particularly over Yonkers’ half mile circuit where barrier positions often prove decisive.

The MGM Yonkers Trot, the opening leg of the Trotting Triple Crown, presents an immediate challenge for star trotter Spencer Hanover. The Marcus Melander-trained colt has won all four starts this season, but must overcome the awkward second-line draw from post nine. While his class is unquestioned, Jason Bartlett will need to produce one of his trademark drives to overcome the difficult starting position.

Several rivals appear better placed.

Matthew Burkholder has a particularly strong hand with Silverstein drawn perfectly in gate four after being installed the 3-1 morning-line favourite, while stablemate Requiem also secured an ideal draw in barrier three. Both look certain to enjoy economical trips and should be prominent throughout.

Ron Burke’s AI, last season’s New York Sire Stakes champion, has enough speed to overcome gate seven and remains one of the major dangers, while Megan Scran’s talented Ardonne, winner of last year’s William Wellwood Memorial, adds further depth despite drawing gate eight.

Perhaps the biggest wildcard belongs to Åke Svanstedt, who sends out three runners headed by Create Escape from barrier two. Stablemates Secured and Nordic Dancer S face tougher assignments from gates six and ten respectively, but Svanstedt’s strength in numbers could have a significant tactical impact on the race.

The MGM Grand Messenger Stakes, opening leg of the Pacing Triple Crown, also promises plenty of intrigue.

Fragment appears to have landed the perfect opportunity after drawing barrier two. The Per Engblom-trained colt was among the best juveniles in North America last season, capturing major stakes on both the New York circuit and Grand Circuit, and now looks ideally positioned to launch his three-year-old Triple Crown campaign.

Ron Burke again holds a powerful hand with three runners.

North America Cup finalists Al Papi and Melillo both return after tackling Canada’s premier sophomore pace, while Frantic Hanover gives the powerhouse stable another genuine winning chance. Of the trio, Al Papi looks particularly well placed from gate three after drawing inside his stablemates.

The race also features promising colts Mighty Matt, Apocalypsebluechip and Hunt Off The Press, but with Yonkers placing such a premium on early position, the inside draws enjoyed by Fragment and Al Papi could prove decisive.

With the opening legs of both Triple Crowns on the line, Friday’s program shapes as one of the biggest meetings of the New York season.

History shows that strong performances at Yonkers can become the launching pad for championship campaigns later in the summer, and another outstanding group of three-year-olds has the opportunity to announce itself on one of harness racing’s biggest stages.

by Bevan Greig for Harnesslink