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

Yonkers, NY — Turns out Brian Sears’ 30-1 upset with Cruzado Dela Noche in the million-dollar Yonkers International Trot was puny pari-mutuel potatoes. Monday night (Oct. 22), Sears and 82-1 A Oliveinmymartini became Yonkers Raceway’s largest win mutuel of the season, to the tune of $167.50 for ever correct couple of bucks.

Katy Gazzini photo

Brian Sears and 82-1 A Oliveinmymartini became Yonkers Raceway’s largest win mutuel of the season.

This was far from a ‘shortest distance between two points’ number. From post position No. 8 in the $16,000 third race pace, the lass missed the memo, spotting her rivals about a half-dozen lengths at the start.

A Oliveinmymartini did catch the field, racing fourth along the pylons before slipping out and widest in the final turn. She defeated 11-1 Successful Outlook (Jordan Stratton) by a half-length, with 17-1 Bullvillekarla (Dan Dube) third and 6-1 Fine Art (Brent Holland) fourth.

Making her first start for owner Samuel Abdoo and trainer Amber Buter, the 3-year-old daughter of Three Olives was patrolling the Ohio fair circuit before winning at Dayton 18 nights ago. The 1:55.2 in her local debut was a life-best performance and led a $1,433 exacta, $10,899 triple (base $2 payout, $1 ticket worth $5,449.50) and $129,551 superfecta (base $2 payout, 10-cent ticket worth $6,477.55).

A Oliveinmymartini won for the third time in 10 seasonal starts.