by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Consider this an unsolicited suggestion for the connections of Blastaway Sahbra: Don’t leave town.

That opinion was further enhanced after Friday night’s (May 14) $15,000 Open Handicap Trot at Yonkers Raceway, where “Blastaway” paid his first local visit since late last month.

Leaving from outside of his six rivals, Blastaway Sahbra (Stephane Bouchard), sent postward as the 9-10 favorite, was able to avoid the early merriment, where Heather Crofter (Jim Meittinis) made a break, effectively wiping out last week’s winner, Priceless Gem (Ray Schnittker). C R Pants On Fire (Mark Beckwith) also misbehaved.

Blastaway Sahbra settled in fourth as Patio Pete (Jeff Gregory) put forth cozy fractions of :29, 1:00 and 1:30². Blastaway Sahbra was content to sit chilly ’til the backside the second time, when he methodically moved toward the leader. Patio Pete maintained a short lead into the lane, but Blastaway Sahbra was about to take over, prevailing by a length and a quarter in 2:00². Patio Pete saved second, while Ultimate Message (Jim Marshall III) closed for third. Mysterious Caller (Mike Forte) and the aforementioned, unlucky Priceless Gem (sixth placed fifth) completed the cashers.

How good has “Blastaway” been in Westchester this season, you ask? Try seven wins, five seconds and a third in a baker’s dozen worth of ’04 work nights.

Blastaway Sahbra, a six-year-old Striking Sahbra gelding, is trained by Mark Ford for Buckeye co-owners Dean Davis and Brenda Sugg. For the season, he has eight wins and 16 board finishes in his 19 tries. “Blastaway” returned $3.80, leading an $11.40 exacta and $78.50 triple while seeing his career cash go over the $520,000 plateau.

The Raceway’s Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday schedule remains in effect, with first post at 7:40 p.m.

Afternoon simulcasting continues to be offered around the NYRA schedule. Yonkers is featuring complete Preakness Day smulcasting from Pimlico, with advance wagering for Saturday’s 129th “Run for the Black-Eyed Susans” having begun Friday afternoon. Pimlico’s first post Saturday is 10:30 a.m.