Lit De Rose becomes millionaire with Matchmaker victory

Lit De Rose (Leader Bayama) became the sport’s newest harness racing millionaire when she captured her $40,000 division of the final preliminary leg of the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series at Yonkers Raceway on Friday (April 12) night for trainer-driver Patrick Lachance. The 9-year-old mare scored her fourth victory of the year, posting a final time of 1:53.2.

Racine Bell pulled off a mild upset of Lit De Rose in round four, and driver Jason Bartlett appeared intent on a repeat performance as he blasted from post seven to the lead at the outset. Delitfulcatherin N and Jordan Stratton managed to squeeze into a tuck behind the leader on the first turn, with Lachance clearing the field before making his move. Lit De Rose brushed before the 27.3 opening quarter for control and then utilized her advantage to march to fractions of 56.2 and 1:25.1 for the middle half.

Dougs Babe A, with Dexter Dunn, moved on the third turn with speed to challenge uncovered, followed by Jive Dancing A and Easy To Please in the outer flow. Lachance appeared unconcerned with the outside tier as Lit De Rose kept to business and confidently kicked home in 28.1 to secure her 50th career victory. Dougs Babe A was determined and gamely nipped Racine Bell in the battle for the place spot, while Jive Dancing A was along for fourth.

Bred and owned by Guy Corbeil of Quebec, Lit De Rose likely goes into the April 22 final as the favorite to capture the Blue Chip Matchmaker title. Lit De Rose returned $4.20 to win, leading a $7.50 exacta, $49.20 triple and $11.70 superfecta for 10 cents.

LIT DE ROSE REPLAY

Coachellabound N (Sweet Lou) and driver Yannick Gingras made the most of the pole position by getting control and not looking back to capture the first $40,000 section. The 6-year-old mare was a winner for the first time while competing in all the preliminary legs and assured a spot in the final with the triumph.

Gingras was quick to use Coachellabound N from the outset, putting rival Tony’s Mom in the pocket on the opening turn. Matt Kakaley left cagily with Karma Seelster and rushed up to control before the quarter after waiting patiently on the opening bend. The second choice in the field, Karma Seelster was eager to allow Coachellabound N, the 4-5 public choice, to regain the top into the second turn following a 27.4 opening quarter.

Coachellabound N had the lead through a 56.4 half and didn’t get much resistance, pacing three-quarters in 1:25.1 while True Blue Hanover and Scott Zeron moved to the outside first-over, followed by Man Dontforget Me. Neither from the outer tier advanced within threatening distance of the leader, and that gave pocket-sitting Karma Seelster ample room to try to go by the leader.

Gingras put Coachellabound N to a moderate drive, and the Ricky Bucci-trained mare responded to draw clear in a 1:53.3 mile for her third win of the season. Karma Seelster held down the place spot, with Tony’s Mom shading a fast-closing Man Dontforget Me for the third spot.

COACHELLABOUND N REPLAY

Owned by Flatland Racing, Coachellabound N returned $3.90 to win and keyed a $8.10 exacta, $20.20 triple and $5.75 superfecta for a 10-cent wager.

Unofficially, the eight finalists for the $125,000-added Blue Chip Matchmaker Series final are:

Lit De Rose (312 points)
Dougs Babe A (249 points)
Coachellabound N (238 points)
Delitfulcatherin N (230 points)
Incaseyoudidntknow (220 points)
Mikala (212 points)
Karma Seelster (204 points)
Tony’s Mom (175 points)

MGM Yonkers Raceway is pleased to announce the Emp;ire Terrace Dining Room will be open for ala carte dining on April 22 for the card that includes the MGM Borgata Pacing Series and Blue Chip Matchmaker Series finals. Dining service is available from 6:30 to 10:30 P.M. (EDT), and the bar is open from 6:30 to 11:30 P.M. (EDT). Call 914-457-2627 for reservations or details.

The final preliminary leg of the MGM Borgata Series takes place on Monday (April 15) with a trio of $50,000 flights, and the second round of the John Brennan Trotting Series comes up on Wednesday (April 17) with five $25,000 groupings.

Live racing is held at MGM Yonkers Raceway on a Monday-Friday basis with post time each night at 7 P.M. (EDT).

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

From Yonkers Raceway