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

Yonkers, NY — Not even the eight hole could slow down the form spree that is Beach Nut Brand.

That much was evident on Friday night (June 15) at Yonkers Raceway, where the gifted gelding two-moved to an easy victory in the co-featured $35,000 Open Handicap Trot.

With Tim Tetrick again doing the honors for trainer Mark Harder, the 5-year-old son of Branded left alertly. He found a seat fourth as 28-1 shot Classical Man (Jim Meittinis) excited his backers through a :28.4 opening quarter-mile. Grain Of Truth (Stephane Bouchard) took a pocket seat, with Sir Valahad (Pat Lachance) an early third.

Beach Nut Brand was out and moving before the second turn, securing the joystick right at the :59.1 intermission.

Hesza Laser (Tony Morgan) then tried his luck uncovered, but could not get close. Beach Nut Brand thus found himself in complete control going toward the 1:28.3 three-quarters, taking a 1-1/2 length lead into the lane.

He slapped 3-1/2 lenghs on his rivals for good measure at the wire, which he found in 1:57.1. Classical Man won the place battle over the invading American Lane (Jeff Gregory), who had made a big move to get into contention from seventh. Grain Of Truth and slight 2-1 favorite Kaline (Steve Smith) completed the cashers.

Beach Nut Brand, co-owned by Stable 45 and Scott Kurzrok, returned $9.50 (third choice) for his seventh victory in 15 seasonal starts. He led a $144.50 exacta and $437.50 triple.

The co-featured Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace saw the local return of double-millionairess Burning Point (Tetrick), whose two ’07 wins had both come in Westchester.

This night, however, she was the victim of a brutal route from post position seven, getting caught three-deep early, then taking first-up air before calling it an evening.

All the while, 1-2 people’s preference Alexi Killean (Morgan) was having things her way. Anxious early from post four, she stepped around pole-sitting Bookish Hanover (Eric Goodell) en route to fractions of :27.1, :56.1 and 1:25.1.

“Alexi” held her 1-1/2 length lead turning for home, winning by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:54. Bookish Hanover chased the victress from second, with Let’s Imagine (Bouchard), My Fine Lady (Greg Grismore) and Carousel Frame (Jim Pantaleano) also making moolah.

Burning Point, hard-pressed to remember a worse trip in her 133-race career, retreated to last among the octet.

Alexi Killean, a 5-year-old daughter of Run The Table owned by Gerrie Tucker and trained by Nat Varty, returned $3.10 to her short-priced sorority. Her sixth win in 19 ’07 efforts (third in last four) led a $14.80 exacta and $103.50 triple.

Live racing is currently offered at Yonkers with six programs per week — Monday through Saturday nights at 7:40 p.m. Harness and Thoroughbred simulcasting is available seven days a week, while Empire City’s nearly 5,500 video gaming machines are in play daily from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m.