MGM Yonkers Trot elims set, MGM Grand Messenger goes right to the final
June 19, 2023, from MGM Yonkers Raceway
Yonkers, NY — Eliminations for the MGM Yonkers Trot — the first leg of the Trotting Triple Crown — and Park MGM Pace will take place on Friday night (June 23) at MGM Yonkers Raceway. The MGM Grand Messenger Stakes, the opening leg of the Pacing Triple Crown; and the New York New York Mile, for 3-year-old filly trotters, didn’t require eliminations and will go straight to their respective finals on June 30.
The opening elimination of the MGM Yonkers Trot (race six) includes Crown (post three, Brian Sears driving for Marcus Melander), who is coming off a win in the New York Sire Stakes at Tioga Downs, and Up Your Deo (post four, Åke Svanstedt trains/drives), a recent winner of a New Jersey Sire Stakes prelim at the Meadowlands. Father Stosh (post two, Jason Bartlett listed for Brian Roland) also owns a Sire Stakes win in Pennsylvania, taken at The Meadows on June 3.
Svanstedt also has Kierkegaard K (post one) in the second elimination (race seven), who is fresh off a track record-equaling victory in his Empire Breeders Classic division at Vernon Downs on June 16.
The top four finishers in each MGM Yonkers Trot elimination will advance to the final on June 30.
Earthwindfire (post one, Tim Tetrick listed to drive for trainer Brett Pelling) and Turn On The Charm (post two, Marcus Miller driving for trainer Bruce Clarke) both won New York Sire Stakes divisions on Monday (June 19) at Monticello and will have a quick turnaround to compete in their respective Park MGM Pace eliminations (races one and two). Continue on USTA