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

Yonkers, NY — Sure, Mohawk had the North America Cup, but we at Yonkers Raceway were proud hosts to the North of New York City Cup, also known as Saturday night’s (June 16) $35,000 Open Handicap Pace.

The field, reduced from an octet to a happy half-dozen (Buckeye One and Up Front Kyle were defections, sick and judges, respectively), saw this week’s 9-5 favorite, Rair Earth (Jim Pantaleano), and last week’s winner, Dream Rocket (Tony Morgan) both anxious early.

The tandem played leapfrog on the lead through a :27.1 opening quarter-mile, with Rair Earth securing the advantage coming to the :55.4 intermission. All the while, Image Of Dawn and trainer-driver Pat Lachance were at the back of the psychedelic bus.

Never shy to race from off the pace, Image Of Dawn methodically marched up to the leader at the 1:24.4 three-quarters. He then drew alongside Rair Earth, whose resistance proved futile. Image Of Dawn grabbed the lead in early stretch, then edged away to prevail by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:52.2. That effort — matching his personal season’s best — was also his eighth consecutivie board finish.

Dream Rocket was this week’s bridesmaid, with Secluded Island (Jeff Gregory) along for third. Armbro Animate (Stephane Bouchard) and Rair Earth completed the cashers, while King Cat Anvil N (Jordan Stratton) came away with nothing and had to like it.

Lachance also owns Image Of Dawn, an 8-year-old son of Life Sign who returned $8.40 (third choice) for his sixth win in 19 ’07 starts. The exacta paid $31, with the triple worth $130.50.

Tim Tetrick, whose scheduled escort in the feature (Buckeye One) scratched, nonetheless won three races on the 10-race card, with Lachance and Greg Grismore winning a couple each.

Live racing is currently offered at Yonkers with six programs per week — Monday through Saturday nights at 7:40 p.m. Harness and thoroughbred simulcasting is available seven days a week, while Empire City’s nearly 5,500 video gaming machines are in play daily from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m.