Jack’s Legend N king of Yonkers Kiwis

Jack’s Legend N survived a photo finish to head a triactor of New Zealand imports in the $45,000 Yonkers Raceway Open Pace on Monday.

He assumed command early after a lightning getaway from post seven, clearing his six inside foes at the entry to the first turn. Driver Matt Kakaley, taking his reins for the first time, set :27.3, :56, and 1:23.3 fractions and ensured the gelding held a one-length lead entering the final quarter.

Nandolo N (Jason Bartlett) pestered the leader from the first-over position and threatened to pass as they banked into the final turn. Jack’s Legend N improved his advantage back to a length at headstretch, but Nandolo N persisted down the lane. The challenger produced a surge in the last several metres, but the finish line came in time for Jack’s Legend N, who was clocked in 1:51.1 for the mile.

Nandolo N missed by a head in finishing second. Alluneedisfaith N (George Brennan) completed a Kiwi-bred top three.

JACK’S LEGEND N REPLAY

Co-owner Josh Green trains the $12.60 winner, a seven-year-old by Bettors Delight. The Solon-based Rick Lombardo Racing LLC, David Kryway of Amherstburg, and Eric Good of Denton also own shares in the horse. J W Smolenski of Christchurch, N.Z. bred him. The gelding has won 23 of 73 starts to date and has earned $617,711.

On The Cards N, another Kiwi-bred Bettors Delight gelding, won the sub-featured $38,000 Preferred Pace in similar fashion. The six-year-old led through :28.1, :57.2, and 1:25.1 fractions under the guidance of Brennan and emerged from a stretch duel to score in 1:53.1. Ron Burke trains and co-owns via his Burke Racing Stable LLC with partners Weaver Bruscemi LLC, Lawrence Karr, and J&T Silva Stables LLC. They purchased the horse from New Zealand in February; he has since won four of nine outings.

ON THE CARDS N REPLAY

Yonkers Raceway is set to return on Tuesday, July 27 with 12 races on a program beginning at 7:15 p.m. EDT.

For full race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink