by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — First-up McErlean (Eric Carlson, $19) held off favored Beach Memories (George Brennan) Saturday night (Nov. 29), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $35,000 Open Handicap Pace.

Sean Hamrock photo

McErlean was a 1:52.3 winner in the Saturday Open Handicap Pace.

Sitting in early from post position No. 4, McErlean watched as Mickey Hanover (Dan Dube) had to work to get around pole-assignee Orillia Joe (Brent Holland). Mickey Hanover did, getting early fractions of :27.3 and :56.4.

Shortly thereafter, MrErlean moved from fifth, with locally-debuting Beach Memories — as the 9-10 choice — in behind. Mickey Hanover led past the 1:25.1 three-quarters, but was about to drop anchor. It was McErlean taking a 1-1/2 length lead into the lane, then holding off Beach Memories by three-quarters of a length in 1:52.3. Orillia Joe, P H Supercam (Jason Bartlett) and Mach’s Beach Boy (Pat Lachance) rounded out the payees.

For fourth choice McErlean, a 5-year-son of McArdle owned by Muscara Racing Trust and trained by Darren Cassar, it was his eighth win in 30 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $69.50, with the triple returning $505.

The Raceway’s five program per week live schedule changes, with first post every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:10 p.m., and the fourth of six Sunday matinees (replacing Tuesday evenings) this weekend at 11 a.m. Evening simulcasting accompanies all night programs, with afternoon simulcasting available daily.