by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Yonkers Raceway
Yonkers, NY — Just the facts, please: Yonkers Raceway’s Saturday night (June 5) post-Belmont Stakes bonanza featured a $15,000 Open (not Handicap) Pace, carded at the mile and one-sixteenth distance.
The original field of eight was pared down to a six-pack with the defections of last week’s Open ‘Cap winner, Chad Lefleur (sick) and invader Rob Roy Mattgregor (judges).
At the outset, fellow interloper Hipeka A (Greg Merton) shot to immediate command, getting the quarter-mile in :272 before rating a :58 second half. Happy Together N (Jim Meittinis), who outdrew everyone, protected the pocket, with Chewy Gross (Jim Marohn) settling in third.
Art Attack (Ted Wing), with all four of his seasonal wins here, was content to sit along the pylons, forcing the 6-5 visiting choice, Token Favorite (Jeff Gregory), to go it first-up. Art Attack was able to advance second-over, but Hipeka A owned the lead at the 1:27 three-quarters. He was a half length to the good off the final turn.
Entering the lane, Token Favorite wore down the leader, then held off Art Attack to get the job done by three-quarters of a length. The added distance went in 2:023 for Token Favorite’s second consecutive victory and third win in the last four tries. Happy Together N was third, with Chewy Gross and Falcon’s Blue Jean (Mark Beckwith) completing the cashers. Hipeka A faded, came away with nothing and had to like it.
It was the fifth victory in 15 seasonal starts for the five-year-old son of Jate Lobell. Mark Harder trained the winner for Calgary co-owners Gordon and Katie Bryan, who at least earned some consolation after the Flames blew a chance to win the Stanley Cup.
Token Favorite paid $4.40, leading a $20.60 exacta and $39.20 triple.
This coming week offers all six claiming class finals in the “Stretch The Stretch” pacing series.
Monday: $5,000 claimers ($14,050 purse, sixth race); $7,500 claimers ($17,325 purse, ninth race); $10,000 claimers ($23,700 purse, seventh race).
Friday: $15,000 claimers ($28,900 purse); $20,000 claimers ($32,400 purse); $25,000 claimers ($39,750 purse).
Yonkers continues its Friday 12 Noon first post through July 23. Monday, Tuesday and Saturday remains at the usual 7:40 p.m. first post.
Afternoon simulcasting continues to be offered around the NYRA schedule, and the Raceway is open for Friday evening simulcasting.