by Frank Drucker, Yonkers Raceway Publicity Director

Yonkers, NY — Favored Polak A (Brian Sears, $4.60) caught Phil Your Boots (Tyler Buter) at the wire Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway’s $32,000 Open Handicap Pace.

Those two, leaving from post positions five and six, respectively, were sent toward the lead. Phil Your Boots worked around Polak A, then laid down intervals of :27.4, :57 and 1:24.4. The third-quarter pace was prompted by a first-up First Class Horse (Jason Bartlett).

Phil Your Boots owned a length-and-a-half lead into the lane and looked home, but Sears was relentless in getting after Polak A. That one finally did corral the leader, winning by a nose in 1:53.

Season-debuting All Bets Off (Matt Kakaley) saved ground through the final turn before finishing with a flourish to grab third. First Class Horse and Dream Out Loud N (George Brennan) rounded out the payees.

For repeating Polak A, a 7-year-old Down Under Pacific Fella gelding co-owned by F Bellino & Sons LLC, NY, Frank Bellino, NY, Joseph Bellino, NY and trained by Tony O’Sullivan, he’s now 4-for-6 this season. The exacta (two wagering favorites) paid $28, with the triple returning $97.50.

Later in the card Sears and Sapphire City ($5.90) turned in the fastest local mile (1:52.1) of the season, winning the $16,000 tenth race pace.

The Raceway’s live season continues with a “French” Sunday afternoon (first post 12:30 p.m.).