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

YONKERS, NY – Classy veteran–and public choice–Punk Man lasted on the lead in Friday night’s $19,000 featured high-conditioned trot at Yonkers Raceway.

With Jim Meittinis doing the honors for trainer Paul Wojtowicz, Punk Man was on the move early from post position No. 2. He stepped around pole-sitter Roman Holiday (Stephane Bouchard, four winners on the 12-race card), securing the lead before a :28.4 opening quarter-mile. Longshot Calchip’s Muscle (Greg Grismore) dove into the pocket, with Roman Holiday third and Lemon Pepper (Eric Abbatiello) away fourth.

Punk Man rated a pedestrian 31 second quarter before Lemon Pepper tried it first-up.

The leader remained the leader through a 1:28.2 three-quarters, taking a 1-3/4 length advantage into the lane.

Punk Man tired, but found the wire first in 1:59, a half-length better than Lemon Pepper. Roman Holiday held the bottom of the ticket, with Getthemoney (Bruce Aldrich Jr.) and Night’s Jazz (Jeff Gregory) grabbing the leftovers.

Punk Man, an 8-year-old Malabar Man gelding owned by Marvin Meyer, paid $5.20, leading a $15.60 exacta and $35.20 triple. His career earnings are just under $340,000.