Tony’s Mom (Heston Blue Chip) and harness racing driver Yannick Gingras were able to overpower a field of mare rivals in capturing the $35,000 Invitational Pace Friday (Feb. 23) at Yonkers Raceway.
The 6th race feature got underway with Gingras sending race favorite Tony’s Mom right to the lead from post four and cutting the mile to the opening quarter in :27.4.
With Karma Seelster (Matt Kakaley) following in a loose two-hole trip, Tony’s Mom led the field to the half mile in :56.4 with no one attempting to challenge.
In the backstretch, Uptown Hanover (George Brennan) came first-over from third place, giving live cover to Coachellabound N (Brent Holland) as Tony’s Mom continued to lead past the three-quarters in 1:24.4.
With no one able to mount a close in on the leader, Tony’s Mom breezed home to win by two and one-half lengths in 1:53.2. The pocket-sitting Karma Seelster was second with Uptown Hanover third.
TONY’S MOM REPLAY
It was the second win in four starts this year for Tony’s Mom. The five-year-old mare is trained by Per Engblom for the Morrison Racing Stable and Brian Morgan. She paid $4.00 to win.
George Brennan led all drivers with a triple.
For complete race results, click here, US Trotting results.
by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink