by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Like his namesake, Home Run Hudson went exploring on Saturday night, March 8, leaving his usual Delaware digs for a trip to the big city.

He did more than sightsee, gutting out a first-up trip to win the $30,000 Open Handicap Pace at a moist Yonkers Raceway.

With Greg Grismore driving for trainer Josh Green, Home Run Hudson — leaving from post position five — was an early spectator as 4-5 people’s preference Rare Jewel (Stephane Bouchard) stepped around Forest Vic A (Steve Smith).

Rare Jewel negotiated inclement intervals of :27.2 and :57, before Home Run Hudson moved from fifth. Rare Jewel put forth a :28.2 third quarter, hoping to chase away the challenger. He didn’t, though the other six were left gasping.

Rare Jewel and Home Run Hudson threw it down for the duration, with “Hudson” sticking his neck out at just the right time. He won by that margin in a snappy 1:54. Forest Vic A was a best-of-the-rest third, with King Cat Anvil N (Jordan Stratton) and Image Of Dawn (Pat Lachance) completing the cashers.

For Home Run Hudson, a 6-year-old son of Astreos owned by Patchel Family Stable, it was his third win (in succession) in seven seasonal starts. “Hudson” returned $7.10 (second choice), with the exacta paying $24.60 and the triple good for $88.

Saturday’s sojourn also included eight $12,500 divisions in the opening round of the Sagamore Hill Pacing Series for 3- and 4-year-old colts and geldings.

Round 1 pomp and circumstance was accorded to:

• Fox Vallley Tyrese, g, 3 (by Richess Hanover); owner South of the Tracks Racing/trainer Julie Miller/driver Pat Berry; 1:58/$4.40
• Bob’s Alibi, g, 4 (by His Alibi); co-owners Sylvia Burke, Weaver Bruscemi LLC/trainer Mickey Burke/driver Grismore; 1:57.4/$2.40
• Asbury Juke, g, 4 (by Artsplace); owner Scott Dillon/trainer Scott Blackler/driver Jason Bartlett; 1:57.3/$5.90
• Art’s Image, 4 (by Artsplace); co-owners Canzone, DiScala, Adam Victor & Son Stable/trainer Nat Varty/driver Bouchard; 1:57/$3.50
• Herzon, 4 (by Cam’s Card Shark); owner Dillon/trainer Blackler/driver Bartlett; 1:58.1/$5.40
• Cullen’s Blue Jean, g, 4 (by Christian Cullen); owner Joe Muscara/trainer Virgil Morgan/driver Grismore; 1:59/$6.20
• Victory’s Boy, g, 4 (by Artsplace); owner Win For Victory/trainer John Berger/driver Greg Merton; 1:58/$8.10
• Red Man A, g, 4 (by Western Ideal); owner Marie Abbatiello/trainer-driver Eric Abbatiello; 1:59.3/$6.10