by Dave Little, for The Meadowlands

East Rutherford, NJ — Driver Joe Bongiorno waited patiently for his opportunity, and when it came, he unleashed B Yoyo, who rallied furiously through the stretch to take the Friday night (May 12) feature at The Meadowlands, which was a $20,000 conditioned event for trotters.

Lisa Photo

B Yoyo captures his second consecutive featured event at The Meadowlands on Friday evening.

The 7-year-old gelded son of Striking Sahbra, who won this race a week ago as the even-money favorite, was away well and sat in the three-hole from the quarter to the stretch. The conditions of the race may have been the same as a week ago but the task was far tougher this time around with the field including the likes of Opulent Yankee, who was off a dominant score at Yonkers, and 2016 Townsend-Ackerman winner Dayson, who was sent to the gate as the 3-5 public choice.

After an energetic opening quarter of :27.3, Opulent Yankee yielded the front to Dayson, who seemingly had everything under control after rating the half in :56.2 and three-quarters in 1:25.3. But at crunch time, he came up empty.

Enter B Yoyo, this time a 10-1 outsider who was sitting in a tough spot before swerving off the rail with three-sixteenths to go and out into the five-path. He then charged home in a final quarter of :26.2 to win by a widening two lengths. Broadway Donna, the 2016 Breeders Crown sophomore filly champion was second in her seasonal debut. Opulent Yankee was third with Dayson fourth.

“This horse is razor sharp and loves the Meadowlands,” said Richard Johnson, trainer of B Yoyo. “He has a shot to be as good (as Dayson and Opulent Yankee). He is a very versatile horse.”

B Yoyo returned $22.80 to his backers and upped his seasonal stats to five wins in 16 starts after completing the mile in 1:52.3.

A LITTLE MORE: A reminder to Meadowlands fans, the second annual Spring Beer Fest has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 10. The rainy weather expected to hit the Big M caused the postponement of the event, which had been slated for Saturday (May 13). … All-source wagering totaled $2,449,987. … Racing resumes Saturday at 7:15 p.m.