by Frank Drucker, Publicity Director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Aslan (Brian Sears, $6.30) was there when it counted Saturday night (Jan. 16), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $32,000 Open Handicap Pace.

Sean Hamrock photo

Aslan was a narrow winner in the Yonkers Open.

Sitting chilly from post position No. 4, he watched as 3-2 choice Melmerby Beach (Jason Bartlett) moved around Journeyman (George Brennan) for the lead. Melmerby Beach seemingly had his own way through intervals of :28.2, :57.2 and 1:25.2.

Between the second and third substations, Aslan engaged from fourth. He had some work to do as Melmerby Beach had a 1-3/4 length lead into the lane. However, Aslan wasn’t done, fighting the good fight before prevailing by a neck in 1:53.4. Journeyman, rank outsider Panic Disorder (Dan Dube) and Hugh Hefner N (Jordan Stratton) rounded out the payees.

For second choice Aslan, a 7-year-old Mach Three gelding owned by O’Sullivan Racing and trained by Tony O’Sullivan, it was his first win in a pair of seasonal starts. The exacta paid $17, with the triple returning $58.

The Raceway’s season continues with a “French” Sunday (post time 11:55 a.m.), Monday (7:10 p.m.) and Tuesday (1 p.m.).