by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — JK Owhatanite went from pocket to paydirt on Saturday night (June 4), handily winning Yonkers Raceway’s $197,634 Lismore Pace for 3-year-old fillies.

Mike Lizzi photo

JK Owhatanite was a 1:53.3 winner in the Lismore.

Leaving from post position No. 5, she was stuffed into an early seat by pole-sitting Honky Tonk Woman (George Brennan). The even-money favorite put down a pedestrian pedal, to the tune of a :28.3 opening quarter-mile and :57.3 intermission.

Coming toward the half, Cold Mist (Ron Pierce) moved from third, looking to the engage the leader. Honky Tonk Woman found three-quarters in an unpressured 1:26, getting no outside angst whatsoever. In fact, Character Flaw (Daniel Dube), entrymate to Cold Mist, was gapping second-over.

That left Honky Tonk Woman with a 1-1/4 length lead turning for home. Unfortunately, it also left her with no excuses, as JK Owhatanite eased out and eased by. JK Owhatanite widened to a 2-1/2 length win in a life-best 1:53.3, with Honky Tonk Woman clearly a bridesmaid. It was more than six lengths back to Dreamland’s Roxy (Jeff Gregory), with Cold Mist and Block Party (Jim Pantaleano) rounding out the payees. Celebrity Dollfin (Cat Manzi) and Character Flaw completed the order.

JK Owhatanite, a homebred daughter of Bettor’s Delight owned by 3 Brothers Stable and trained by Linda Toscano, returned $7.90 (third choice) for her second win in three seasonal starts. The exacta paid $22.20, with the triple returning $101.50.

In her previous start, JK Owhatanite won a mile and one-sixteenth overnight race here in a track record (2:00) for her age and gender.

“She’s just a simple horse to drive, does whatever you ask,” Bartlett said. “The best thing about her is her gate speed, and I wanted to get her involved early. Once I showed her racetrack, she did the rest.”

“This is the race we’ve been pointing to,” Toscano said. “We knew she was best on a small track, and I wanted to make sure she was ready. I couldn’t be happier. It’s great when a plan works out.”