Dragon Said not slain in eight

Dragon Said has now won eight straight races for Bongiorno connections at Yonkers Raceway after his latest victory on Monday in the harness racing track’s $45,000 Open Handicap Pace.

Joe Bongiorno tucked the Well Said gelding into third in the eight-horse line from post five and hung out Casual Cool (Tyler Buter), who pressed on to the front in a :26.3 opening quarter mile. Pocket-sitter Mach N Cheese (Jason Bartlett) stepped around Casual Cool in front of the stands, but Dragon Said nullified that move and made his own charge to the lead at the half in :55.3.

Dragon Said got no reprieve from action while on top as Raukapuka Ruler N, the prior week’s Open winner, hunted him down going to three-quarters in 1:23.3. Dragon Said continued to respond to Bongiorno’s urging, putting away Raukapuka Ruler on the far turn and kicking away by two as they angled for home. Mach N Cheese gave chase, but Dragon Said proved strongest on the evening in a 1:52 score.

DRAGON SAID REPLAY

Mach N Cheese could not come within two and a quarter lengths as he finished second. Pyro (Daniel Dube) made a late rally and finished third.

Jennifer Bongiorno took over the four-year-old gelding’s training in February for new owner Robert Devine of Freehold. The horse has not lost a race since and has earned eight of his 11 career victories in that span. He has started 36 times and earned $131,432.

Yonkers Raceway hosts two $74,500 divisions of the New York Sire Stakes and one Excelsior A split in its next card on Tuesday, Jul. 13. An Excelsior A and an Excelsior B contest will go to post on a two-race pre-card that begins at 6:00 p.m. EDT. All of those dashes are for three-year-old trotting colts and geldings.

For full race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink