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

Yonkers, NY — When wild speed drops anchor, strange things can happen. Such was the case Monday night (Feb. 22), as a quartet of Yonkers Raceway longshots produced some nimble numbers.

Chris Brokate photo

I’m Blue Too won by a length in 1:53.1.

The $12,500 third-race pace saw Rockstar Stride (Brian Sears) throw down an uncontrollable gauntlet, as in intervals of :26.3, :54.1 and 1:22.3. Needless to say, hooves were getting heavy and the leader didn’t come close to closing the sale.

It was 35-1 shot I’m Blue Too (Brent Holland, $72.50) closing ranks from a loose three-hole, winning by a length in 1:53.1. The slow final quarter allowed 21-1 proposition Bubbie Boy (Dan Dube) to rally from last into second, while 7-1 Tink And Tiger (Matt Kakaley) skimmed the cones for third and 39-1 rank outsider Motor Shark (Jordan Stratton) finished fourth. Lawgiver Hanover (George Brennan) was fifth as the 9-5 choice while chasing those insane fractions from the pocket, while Rockstar Stride faded to seventh.

The resulting exotics included a $2,465 exacta, $6,339 triple and $91,479 superfecta (base $2 payout, 10-cent ticket worth $4,573.95), local season highs for both the exacta and superfecta.