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

Yonkers, NY — Homicide Hunter (Brian Sears, $6.10) who missed a hard-charging head a week ago, had no such angst this time around, winning Sunday afternoon’s (July 23), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $68,000 Open Handicap Trot.

Katy Gazzini photo

Homicide Hunter collects his fourth win of the season from seven starts.

The last of three early leaders, Homicide Hunter—from assigned post position seven among the dozen–took over after Bueno Camino (Scott Zeron) and Springbank Sam N (Jordan Stratton) each had a spin in the big chair.

Homicide Hunter, as the 2-1 wagering choice, made the lead in the second turn, between a :28.3 opening quarter-mile and :57.2 half. His ascension to the throne left Hemi Seelster (Jason Bartlett) first-up, sitting outside.

Homicide Hunter (1:28.3 three-quarters, mile in 1:55.4) hade few issues thereafter, widening to 2-1/2 lengths in the lane before ‘running’ away by four lengths. The 1-1/4 miles went in a spiffy 2:24.3.

Buen Camino edged Springbank Sam N for second, with Fashion Creditor (Eric Goodell) and Awsome Valley (Greg Merton) settling for the minors.

Hemi Seelster, who has had success in races where he’s been out every step, couldn’t replicate it here, winding up last among the dozen.

For Homicide Hunter, a 5-year-old Mr. Cantab gelding owned by Crawford Farms Racing and trained by Chris Oakes, it was his fourth win in seven seasonal starts. The exacta paid $25.20, with the triple returning $94.

Sunday’s installment of the ‘New York, New York Double’ offered a winning combination of 5-Uncle Mojo (Saratoga’s 3rd race) and 2-I C Caviar (Yonkers’ 7th race) paid $10.70 for every correct $1 wager. Total pool was $4,231.

Note the Raceway’s post time next Sunday (July 30) is 11:30 a.m.