by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Yonkers Raceway
Yonkers, NY — Yonkers Raceway’s version of Octoberfest begins on Friday night as Patio Pete returns for his first visit since late July — and was given the outside post position in the $15,000 Open Handicap Trot.
Post time for the 10 race card is 7:40 p.m., with the weekly trotting feature going as the eighth race.
Patio Pete leaves from the eight hole, with Jay Randall again doing the honors for owner Fireball Racing LLC and trainer Ross Croghan.
“Pete” has won his last three local tries, part of a career season. He enters Friday’s fesivities with nine victories and 17 in the money finishes in 26 tries ($135,175). The seven-year-old Overcomer gelding has banked just under $330,000 in his career.
He’s been second in his last two central Jersey tries after winning a Plainridge event early last month.
Approved Action (Rejean Daigneault, post six) was left alone on the lead in last week’s Open ‘Cap, and he made ’em pay. The seven-year-old statebred son of Sir Taurus, bred, owned and trained by John Grasso, has all five of his seasonal wins here, and tries to add to his $657,000 career cash.
T W Rambo (Mike Forte, post seven) could not reach from the eight hole a week ago after winning the previous two trotting features. The eight-year-old Such Hustle gelding, trained by Jake Hartline for owner Kevin (Cookie Monster) Quinn, tries for his 10th ’04 victory.
On Tour (Marcus Johnansson, post three), a best of the rest second (at 23-1) to Approved Action a week ago, has two wins and two seconds in his last five efforts.
Flying Standby (Driver TBA, post two) makes his first local appearance since July of ’03 and his first ’04 try away from the Garden State.
Jetset Matt (Lou Paulucci, post one), Danzig (Jeff Gregory, post four) and Blastaway Sahbra (Stephane Bouchard, post five) complete the lineup.
Driver-in-demand Randall also must negotiate the outside starting location in the $12,500 Filly and Mare Preferred Handicap Pace (ninth race), as he and Get Over Lil leave from post seven.
“Lil,” who won the distaff derby two weeks ago, saw her string of a dozen consecutive paydays (dating to early June) end with a sixth place finish in her most recent try.
Friday’s evening simulcast schedule includes the Meadows (post time 4:00), Buffalo (6:30), Northfield (7:00), Saratoga (7:00), Raceway (7:00), Pompano (7:20) and Meadowlands (7:30).
Yonkers’ current four night per week schedule (Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday) has a first post of 7:40 p.m. Afternoon simulcasting continues to be offered around the NYRA schedule.
October’s evening/harness simulcast schedule includes Buffalo Raceway, Colonial Downs, Freehold Raceway, Harrington Raceway, Hazel Park, Meadowlands, the Meadows, Monticello Raceway, Mountaineer Race Track, Northfield Park, Northville Downs, Penn National, Pocono Downs, Pompano Park, Raceway Park, Red Mile and Saratoga Raceway.
For more information, or to obtain a calendar, please contact the Raceway at (914) 968-4200.