by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — The monarchy once again reigned supreme on Saturday night (March 20) at Yonkers Raceway, as Royal Art successfully defended the throne in the $12,000 Open Handicap Pace.

Assigned outside his five rivals, Royal Art (Stephane Bouchard, four winners on Saturday’s nine race agenda) settled in third as slight favorite Al’s Court A (Rick Farrington) and Matted Hare (Greg Merton) played leapfrog on the lead through a :28² opening quarter-mile.

Matted Hare was able to rate a :30 next portion before Standing Date (Steve Brown) took out from next-to-last. That move was closely watched by Future Falcon N (Jeff Gregory), who tried to gain from second-over. Unfortunately, Future Falcon N gapped his ride badly, a fact that would help decide the outcome.

Matted Hare led the way passing a 1:28¹ three-quarters, taking a length and a half advantage into the lane. Al’s Court A took a shot up the pylons, while Royal Art needed a way off those very same cones.

When Future Falcon N couldn’t keep up, Bouchard extricated his charge, angling to the outside and zipping by nearing the wire. Royal Art found the finish in 1:57, three-quarters of a length ahead of Al’s Court A. Matted Hare saved third, while Standing Date and Future Falcon N earned the final two pay envelopes. Heavenly Wiz (Jim Meittinis) was outrun.

Royal Art, a six-year-old son of Artsplace, is trained by Mark Ford for co-owners Dean Davis and James Snyder. The second choice returned $6.40 for a fourth victory (and eighth in the money finish) in 11 seasonal tries.

The exacta paid $26, while the triple was worth $122.50.

Saturday night also saw the third and final preliminary leg of the Sagamore Hill Pacing Series for three and four-year-old pacing colts and geldings. There were a trio of $8,000 events on the schedule.

Visitor Parking (Jim Marshalll III) denied Raider Redux (Bouchard) a prelim sweep, grinding to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:57. Visitor Parking ($4.40) beat a fellow four-year-old Keystone Raider gelding for his second prep victory in three tries (he also won in 1:57 a week ago). The winner is co-owned by Pomtambo Stable and Robert Kowalski and is trained by Kevin McDermott.

Saturday night’s other Sagamore successes were recorded by:

Southwind Salem,g,4 (by Artsplace): owner Snyder/trainer Ford/driver Bouchard; 1:58¹/$2.20.

Nick Charles,g,4 (by Artiscape); owner Alfred Votta/trainer John Darish/driver Billy Parker, Jr.; 1:58³/$7.30.

The $38,800 final of the Petticoat Pacing Series goes this Friday night (March 27).

Please note Yonkers Raceway’s amended live harness schedule, now offering a five night per week live schedule. First post every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday is 7:40 p.m., with free admission offered Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, while afternoon simulcasting continues around the NYRA schedule.