Semi Tough handles Open Handicap Pace

Given a perfect second-over trip by harness racing driver George Brennan, Semi Tough was able to beat race favorite Leonidas A at the wire in the $39,000 Open Handicap Pace at Yonkers Raceway Monday.

The eighth race feature saw Save Me A Dance (Matt Kakaley), Braeview Bondi (Marcus Miller) and Leonidas A (Austin Siegelman) all left at the start. Save Me A Dance got to the lead first, holding off Braeview Bondi until the first quarter in :27.2.

Then it was Braeview Bondi’s turn to sting Leonidas A a little until the even money favorite cleared to the lead before the half mile in :56.2.

On the third turn Save Me A Dance came first-over with Brennan and Semi Tough grabbing the second-over cover to the three-quarters in 1:24.4.

As they started down the stretch, Leonidas A held fast to his lead, but Semi Tough had plenty in the tank and nailed Leonidas A at the wire by a neck in 1:53.1. Save Me A Dance was third.

SEMI TOUGH REPLAY

It was the second win in five starts this year for Semi Tough. The six-year-old gelded son of Somebeachsomewhere is trained by Ron Burke for Burke Racing Stable, Baldachino, J & T Silva and Weaver Bruscemi. He paid $8.70 to win.

For full race results, click here.

By Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink