by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Winnin’ Image all but completed his coming-out party on Friday night, November 9, cracking the six-figure seasonal earnings plateau by gutting it out in the co-featured $30,000 Open Handicap Trot at Yonkers Raceway.

Greg Grismore negotiated the wind-driven rain for owner Linda Matejceck and trainer Mickey Burke. Winnin’ Image — leaving from post four — quarter-moved to the lead around Haste (Mike Forte), then held off a stubborn, first-over Tasty Max (Jim Meittinis) by a nose in 1:59.1.

The latter lost his escort when 9-10 favorite American Lane (Cat Manzi) ducked into a vacant pocket passing the 1:29.1 three-quarters. Mr. Teletimer showed the earlier fractions to be :29 and :59.4.

American Lane wound up third, beaten a neck, with The Federalist (Eric Goodell) — last week’s winner and this week’s eight hole — and Bright Idea (Stephane Bouchard) completing the cashers.

For Winnin’ Image, a 5-year-old American Winner gelding, it was his eighth win in 24 seasonal starts, with ’07 earnings now at $114,975. He returned $7.60 (second choice), leading a $39.40 exacta and $116.50 triple.

Friday night’s co-featured $30,000 Filly and Mare Open ‘Cap Pace saw Miss Galvinator A (Bouchard) take care of business in 1:56.2.

The classy lass of Team Annunziata — owner Richard and trainer Ettore — was hard-used from post six, needing a :27.4 opening quarter-mile to get around Monte Carlo Madam (Pat Lachance). A :31-second next station aided the cause, as did a weak, uncovered effort from Patty Ben Beau (Goodell).

Miss Galvinator A strode away late, widening after a 1:27.4 three-quarters to defeat Monte Carlo Madam by three lengths. Hidden Touch (Dan Dube), Sherry (Larry Stalbaum) and Patty Ben Beau earned towel money.

The victress, an 8-year-old Down Under daughter of Fake Left, returned $2.90 for her 11th win in 38 ’07 tries. The exacta paid $11.40, the triple was worth $46.60 and the superfecta returned $174.