1:57.1 track record for Napoleon

Stephane Bouchard, who reined three NYSS winners was so impressed by the colts he drove to victory that when asked who he thought was the best of the three he remained uncommitted and said "there’s a real good crop of 3-year-olds this year and for sure, they will be heard from in the big (world class) stakes later this year.”

Word filtered out that some of the colts would be heading to the Yonkers Trot. Hall of Famer Johnny Simpson Jr., trainer of Big Apple Deli said he’s aiming  Lon Frocione’s son of Conway Hall for the Yonkers Trot elims Saturday, June 21.

Big Apple Deli dominated his competition so completely that Simpson had nothing but praise when asked about the colt after his winning effort.  “He’s scary," Simpson said, adding, ”He’s got a big motor and great manners. I really believe, maybe other than Classical Way, Big Apple Deli is as good as any trotter I've ever had.”

The connections of Napoleon were also pleased with their victory, and why shouldn’t they be? The son of Credit Winner unexpectedly broke the 1:57.3 trotting mark established June 18, 2007 by  Mystical Lindy when Napoleon easily toured the Mighty M double oval in 1:57.1 for Stephane Bouchard defeating Velocity Hall (Jason Bartlett).

To say that the colt’s connections were happy would be an understatement. Owners Sidney Korn, Ken Tucci, Larry Thomases and John Guarnieri were all on hand when Napoleon established the new track record  for 3-year-old trotting colts. Co-owner Korn was quick to point out that Napoleon won a NY Sire Stakes here (at Monticello Raceway) last year after making a break and added, with an ear to ear grin, “Napoleon was awesome today. He trotted the last quarter in :28.1 and Bouchard was taking him back at the finish.”

When asked if they plan on going to the Yonkers Trot elims, Korn belted out “You bet!”

Holiday Credit, the Jimmy Takter-trained son of Credit Winner was equally impressive. With Hall of Famer Ron Pierce at the controls, Holiday Credit easily traversed the double oval and scooted off the an 8-length triumph over Reigning Dough (Alan Schwartz). In the process, Holiday Credit trotted the final half in :57.2 and the final stanza in an eased-up :28.4.

Holiday Credit is owned by Christina Takter, John Fielding, Falkbolaghen Ab, and the Order By Stable. Mrs. Takter was quick to confirm that they also will be heading to the Yonkers Trot eliminations.

Not to be outdone, owner Kenny Jacobs and his wife Rita were also joyful after General Royal copped his division in 1:58. The son of CR Excaliber turned back Colies (Chuck Connor, Jr.) by a length.

“He may not be as big as the other colts but don’t underestimate this little guy, he can trot!” Jacobs said smiling. “We’ll tackle ‘em in the Yonkers Trot eliminations on June 21 and hope for the best.”

Credit Press, driven to a 1:59.4 victory by Jim Morrill, Jr,  is a Credit Winner colt owned by John Lichtenberger and trained by Larry Remmen. 

Pembroke Chip, a Malabar Man colt driven to a 2:03.1 victory by Bill Bailey is owned by Billings amateur driver and businessman from Bangor Maine,  Bill Varney.

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