by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Yonkers Raceway
Yonkers, NY — Glen Mark Lucky made the move he had to make, and it vaulted him to Valhalla in Saturday night’s (November 27) abridged-field $15,000 Open Handicap Pace at Yonkers Raceway. Glen Mark Lucky and driver Mark Beckwith (four winners on the 10 race card, including three in succession) left from post position two in the intimate gathering of five. The tandem trailed early as the returning Art Attack (Ted Wing), in his first local visit since mid-July, left for instant gratification. “Mr. Lucky” then quickly brushed for the lead, grabbed the controls right at the :27.3 opening quarter-mile. He led the way through a :56.4 half and 1:25.2 three-quarters. Am I Next A (Stephane Bouchard) took out of third, with two-time defending Open ‘Cap champion Sempre Pronto (Marcus Johansson) second-over as the slight 7-5 favorite. Glen Mark Lucky had a length and a half to play with entering the lane, before holding off Sempre Pronto by a length in 1:55.1. Art Attack lost the place photo, while Am I Next A and the overmatched Galactic Council N (Jim Marshall III) also came away with coin in the everybody-made-money featured pace. For Glen Mark Lucky, a six-year-old Camluck gelding, it was his 12th victory in 28 seasonal starts (23rd win since the beginning of ’03). Lance Hudson trains the career $423,000 casher for co-owners Fred and Anita Fialkow and Ron Pilatsky. He returned $4.90 as the tepid second choice, with the exacta paying $11.20. There was no triple wagering. The Raceway currently features live racing Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, with first post at 7:40 p.m. Evening simulcasting (both harness and select thoroughbred) accompanies all live programs, while afternoon simulcasting continues around the NYRA schedule.