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

YONKERS, NY – There is this common misconception that summer ended last week.

Lies…all lies.

Summer, at least the Yonkers Raceway version of same, ended Saturday night with the statistical conclusion of that season’s meet.

Reformed claimer Slickest Hanover made good use of the last vestiges of summer, winning the $30,000 Open Handicap Pace.

With Stephane Bouchard driving for Team Annunziata–owner Richard and trainer Ettore–“Slickest” was sitting chilly from post position four.

He had no choice, as all three inside entities–Outback Papeete (Mike Forte), Forest Vic A (Steve Smith) and last week’s champ, Cheyenne Hollywood (Cat Manzi)–had early designs.

“Vic” stepped around Outback Papeete, but Manzi had to give “Cheyenne”–the 13-10 favorite–a one-hander to get him motivated. That one saw a brief lead right at the 27-second opening quarter-mile, until Forest Vic A was rarin’ for a retake.

All the while, Slickest Hanover was about to move from fourth, engaging and passing “Vic” just after the :56.1 intermission. Mr. P B N (Eric Abbatiello) sat in back of “Slickest,” who found a 1:23.2 three-quarters

Slickest Hanover had his hooves on a half-length lead entering the lane, but Mr. P B N was not the issue. Napoleon N (Greg Grismore) was out of exile and dipping into the passing lane. Not enough, as Slickest Hanvoer–despite drifting–was a length to the good in 1:52.2.

Mr. P B N was third, with Rare Jewel (Jordan Stratton) and Cheyenne Hollywood accepting the scraps.

For Slickest Hanover, a 4-year-old son of Western Ideal, it was his 10th win in 32 seasonal starts, upping the ’07 stash to more than $183,000.

Live racing is currently offered at Yonkers with six programs per week–Monday through Saturday nights at 7:40 PM. The Empire City (non-claiming) Series gets underway for both pacers and trotters Monday night.