Both wagering favorites held true for the harness racing fans Thursday (May 23) at Yonkers Raceway in their two $35,000 Invitational trots.
The horses did battle in the 5th race where Keg Stand (Bar Hopping) and driver Yannick Gingras worked their way to the early lead at the opening quarter in :28.3 over Nows The Moment (Jordan Stratton).
Keg Stand led the field single file to the half mile in :58.2. Then in the backstretch, Swan In Motion (Jason Barlett) came first-over to challenge at the three-quarters in 1:27.1.
Around the final turn, Keg Stand held firm to the lead but then in the stretch he was nearly collared at the wire, winning by a nose in 1:55.3 over Swan In Motion. Sea Can (George Brennan) was third.
KEG STAND REPLAY
It was the third win this season for Keg Stand. The five-year-old gelding is trained by Nancy Takter for Blackhorse Racing, Christina Takter and John Fielding. He paid $3.30 to win.
The Fillies and Mares tangled in their $35,000 co-feature Invitational Trot in the 2nd race and after an early incident, P L Notsonice (Kadabra) and driver Scott Zeron held the field at bay the entire mile.
Helpoftheseason (Yannick Gringras) was first off the starting gate and led nearly to the first quarter in :27.3 and went off-stride. Gingras wisely took him inside the pylons.
Meanwhile, Zeron was able to clear to the lead with Perfect Vixen (Jordan Stratton) sitting the two-hole trip to the half mile in :57.2. Then Pariso (Jason Bartlett) moved first-over in the backstretch, giving cover to Queen Of All (Austin Siegelman) to the three-quarters in 1:25.3.
P L Notsonice and Zeron continued to hold the field at bay all the way to the finish wire, winning by one and one-quarter lengths in 1:54.1 over Perfect Vixen with Queen Of All third.
P L NOTSONICE REPLAY
It was the fifth win of the year for P L Notsonice. The seven-year-old mare is trained by Steven Brabrook for Elite Harness Racing, LLC, paying $4.20 to win.
For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results
by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink