The Sagamore Hill Pacing Series

YONKERS, NY, Sunday, March 5, 2017 – This is one for all you hunch players out there. Tuesday evening (March 7th), Yonkers Raceway begins its annual tribute to Theodore Roosevelt, the Sagamore Hill Pacing Series. It's the harness racing male version of the night-before's (Monday, March 6th) start of the ladies-only Petticoat Pacing Series.

Both are open to 3- and 4-year-olds who are/were non-winners of four races and/or $40,000 through this past Dec. 1st.

Sagamore Hill is the Oyster Bay (Long Island, NY) estate which served as Roosevelt's home (or home away from his D-C home) from 1885 until his death in 1919.

Which brings to our inkling. Included in the roster of Sagamore Hill entrants is none other than Bully Pulpit, named after the Roosevelt phrase for the power of presidential persuasion.

The 4-year-old Well Said gelding drew post position No. 5 in the seventh race, fourth of five, $20,000 series divisions. At first glance, Bully Pulpit just sort of blends in with the crowd. A local regular, he's won once in five seasonal starts (see photo), and has made money in four of those tries.

Bully Pulpit landed in a tough Tuesday group and-hunches aside-figures to offer some wagering value. Jordan Stratton drives for owner Jonathan Newman and trainer Rich Banca.

Perhaps Bully Pulpit can indeed 'speak softly and carry a big stick.' Our 26th president is watching (just buy the premise).