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

Yonkers, NY — Favored Secret’s Out N (Brian Sears, $2.90) was both patient and punctual Friday night (Jan. 15), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $24,000 Filly and Mare Preferred Handicap Pace.

Mike Lizzi photo

Secret’s Out N was a narrow winner in the Friday feature at Yonkers.

Assigned post position No. 5 among the six-pack, Secret’s Out N was away third, watching as Rockn’ Ruby N (Dan Dube) two-moved around Jonsie Jones (Tyler Buter). After early intervals of :28.1 and :58.3, the people’s choice took up the chase.

She engaged Rockin’ Ruby in and out of the 1:27.1 three-quarters, with the latter owning a short advantage into the lane. However, Secret’s Out N had her rival lined up, winning by a measured neck in 1:54.1. Jonsie Jones, unable to match strides with those two, angled and settled for third. Bazooka Terror (George Brennan) and Regil Elektra (Eric Carlson) rounded out the payees, while Apricot Sour (Jason Bartlett) had a learning experience.

Secret’s Out N, a 6-year-old Down Under daughter of Mach Three owned by Andrew Herzog and trained by Tom Milici, won her seasonal debut. The exacta paid $9.90, with the triple returning $31.60.

The Raceway’s season continues Saturday (post time 7:10 p.m.), Sunday (11:55 a.m.), Monday (7:10 p.m.) and Tuesday (1 p.m.).