by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Ex Libris Hanover, a solid, first-over winner in last week’s Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace, enjoys the privilege of an eight hole starting venue for Friday night’s $15,000 co-featured ‘Cap at Yonkers Raceway.

Post time for the 10 race card is 7:40 p.m., with the Open Handicaps going as races seven (Filly and Mare Pace) and nine (Trot).

Ex Libris Hanover, making just her third start of 2005, comes off a very impressive season a year ago. The five-year-old daughter of Life Sign won a dozen races and more than $68,000 in ’04 for owner Joel Wheeler and trainer Karen Garland.

Get Over Lil (Jay Randall, post six) closed for second a week ago after getting towed into the race by “Ex Libris”. The six-year-old Walton Hanover miss, co-owned by Linda Condon and Larry Kovacs and trained by Sonny Dancer, has been a bridesmaid in her last two (Open Handicap) tries.

Sandra G (Rick Farrington, post seven) ought to win this race this week, if recent form holds. The five-year-old Yankee Cam lass, third last week as the timid favorite, has alternated victories over her last seven efforts. Lance Hudson trains for co-owners Fred and Anita Fialkow.

Jen Bo Jenna (Jim Marshall III, post five), a reformed conditioned claimer, crashes the cotillion, invading from the Meadows. The five-year-old Jenna’s Beach Boy lass, trained by Tyler Stillings, had worked her way up the western Pensylvania ladder with five consecutive wins before finishing second in her most recent try two weeks ago.

Petey’s Tweety (Eric Abbatiello, post one) and Dynasty G F (Stephane Bouchard, post two) both step out of the claiming ranks, while Southwind Sundew (Mike Forte, post three) and Reach For Eternity (Greg Merton, post four) usually come out of the ladies’ luncheon with a payday.

Friday night’s co-featured $15,000 Open Handicap Trot finds the monotonously consistent Blastaway Sahbra (Bouchard, post seven) back in search of a third consecutive local victory. The seven-year-old Striking Sahbra gelding, AWOL a week ago, earns yet another outside location as he tries for a 20th win since the beginning of 2004. Sweet Sixteen of those wins have been in Westchester. Mark Ford trains for co-owners Dean Davis and Brenda Sugg.

Madison’s Tuition (Farrington, post six) lasted on the lead in last week’s featured trot, earning a personal milestone in the process. The eight-year-old Keystone Fool gelding, owned and trained by David Martin, went over the $300,000 career earnings plateau with his first win in three ’05 work nights.

Amesbury (Smith, post five) jumped it off as the odds-on choice in last week’s marquee trot. The four-year-old son of S J’s Photo, a six-figure earner a year ago, was a rallying second in his local debut two weeks ago.

Iroquoindiangiver (Alan Schwartz, post one), Toibin N (Merton, post two), On Tour (Ray Schnittker, post three) and Mysterious Caller (Forte, post four) round out the roster.

Friday’s card also includes the second round of the Hopeful Pacing Series for three-year-old colts and geldings. Three $7,500 divisions go as races three, four and five.

All three of last week’s opening leg winners are back at it again: Ideal Dex (Bouchard, post seven) is in the first event, while Love The Game (Ray Schnittker, post one) and Sistermarymargaret (Smith, post seven) landed in the middle mélange.

Round two of the Hopeful Pacing Series for soph colts and geldings goes Saturday night.

Friday’s evening simulcast schedule includes the Meadows (post time 6:00), Northfield (7:00), Saratoga (7:00), Pompano (7:20), Rosecroft (7:20), Meadowlands (7:30) and Sam Houston (8:00).

February’s evening/harness simulcast schedule includes Charles Town Races, Freehold Raceway, Meadowlands, the Meadows, Monticello Raceway, Mountaineer Race Track, Northfield Park, Northville Downs, Penn National, Pompano Park, Rosecroft Raceway, Sam Houston Race Park and Saratoga Raceway.

For more information, or to obtain a calendar, please contact the Raceway at (914) 968-4200.