Hemi Seelster wins $68,000 feature

YONKERS, NY, Sunday, July 2, 2017 – A pair of second-tier harness racing starters decided the issue Sunday afternoon (July 2nd), with Hemi Seelster (Jason Bartlett, $6.20) edging Rubber Duck (Joe Bongiorno) in en route to winning Yonkers Raceway's $68,000 Open Handicap Trot.

Hemi Seelster, as the wagering choice, employed the sane out-every-step tact that Rubber Duck used a couple of weeks ago. From post position No. 10, he floated out seventh while Springbank Sam N (Jordan Stratton) and DW's NY Yank (George Brennan) took turns leading the dozen.

The latter rated at cheaply (:28, :58, 1:28, 1:57) while 'Hemi' methodically moved up outside. 'DW' owned a half-length lead into the lane, but was about to give way. Hemi Seelster went by, holding off Rubber Duck-who gapped a bit down the backside-by a head in 2:25.4 for the mile-and-a-quarter distance.

The smaller envelopes went to DW's NY Yank, Springbank Sam N and Buen Camino (Trond Smedshammer).

For Hemi Seelster, a 5-year-old Holiday Road gelding co-owned by Howard Taylor & Abraham Basen and trained by Richard Banca, it was his fifth win in a 16 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $66.50, the triple returned $404.50 and the superfecta paid $4,957.

Hemi Seelster

Prime Power N impressive in debut

Prime Power N was flawless in his North American debut winning easily in 2:27 for the mile and a quarter. Rick Dane Jr trains and Jordan Stratton drove the winner of 16 races Down Under. 

Prime Power N

The latest installment of the 'New York, New York Double' offered a winning combination of 7-Splash of Sass (Belmont's 3rd race) and 5-Brando's Muscle Man (Yonkers' 7th race) paid $13.20 for every correct $1 wager. Total pool was $3,681.

A reminder that live racing returns Friday night (July 7th) at the evening post time of 7:10 PM

Frank Drucker