by Frank Drucker, Publicity Director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Gokudo Hanover (Matt Kakaley, $12.80) and In Secret (George Brennan, $11.80) were the big cheeses Saturday night (March 3), winning Yonkers Raceway’s co-featured $40,000 Open Handicaps.

Gokudo Hanover ‘won the bob’ in a three-horse, pacing-feature photo, prevailing from second-over. From post position two, he watched early as 3-5 choice Rockin’ Ron (Brennan) vaulted over his six inside foes. Rockin’ Ron paid a price (:26.2, :55) for the privilege.

Chris Brokate photo

Gokudo Hanover captures a three-way photo finish at Yonkers on Saturday night.

Pole-sitting Don’tcallmefrancis (Greg Merton) moved from third, doing so with purpose. He went up and over a non-resistant Rockin’ Ron right at a 1:23.1 three-quarters, opening a 1-1/4 length lead off the final turn.

The effort was valiant, but the result…not quite. Gokudo Hanover chased Don’tcallmefrancis, while a third-up Long Live Rock chased ‘em both. It was a Kodak moment, with Gokudo Hanover prevailing by a nose in 1:53.1. Long Live Rock was second, with Don’tcallmefrancis third, beaten a head. The smaller change went to Killer Martini (Jason Bartlett) and Alotbettor N (Joe Bongiorno). Rockin’ Ron backpedaled to sixth

For second choice Gokudo Hanover, 6-year-old Cam’s Card Shark gelding co-owned as Triple D Stables by trainer Scott DiDomenico, James Craparotta & Pat Berry Racing, it was his first win in six seasonal starts. The exacta paid $91, with the triple returning $368.

In Secret couldn’t have asked for better assigned eight-hole trip. Two of his main rivals—Rubber Duck (Bongiorno) and Always A Good Time (Dube)—broke early, never factoring as In Secret nestled into a three-hole. He chased Fearless Man (Bartlett) through intervals of :28.1, :58 and 1:26.1.

Fearless Man owned a 1-1/2 length lead into the lane, but In Secret left the cones, having the target in his sights. The latter prevailed by half-length in 1:56.1. Dog Gone Lucky (Jordan Stratton) did get to Fearless Man for second, with Crazy About Pat (Mark MacDonald) and Mostinterestingman (Larry Stalbaum) rounding out the payees.

For fourth choice In Secret, a 6-year-old Dewycheatumnhowe gelding co-owned as Burke Racing by trainer Ron Burke, J&T Silva Stables, Larry Karr and Weaver Bruscemi, it was first win in two 2018 tries. The exacta paid $48, with the triple returning $256.

Sunday matinees resume March 18, with first post TBA.