American Courage handles field in $39,000 Open

American Courage (American Ideal) was at his best in wiring the field to win the $39,000 Open-Handicap Pace at Yonkers Raceway Monday (Sep. 19) evening for harness racing driver Matt Kakaley.

The 8th race feature saw Ignatius A (Jason Bartlett) leave from the rail and park out American Courage to an opening quarter mile in :27.3.

Once settled on the lead, American Courage went by the half mile in :56.4 with everyone still in single file. Then in the backstretch, Casual Cool (Braxten Boyd) came first-over and gave outside cover to Jack’s Legend N (Tyler Buter) to the three-quarters in 1:24.2, but they were unable to gain ground on American Courage.

Leading by one length at the top of the stretch, American Courage was able to hold off the pocket-sitting Ignatius A to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:51.3. Jack’s Legend N was third.

AMERICAN COURAGE REPLAY

It was the fifth win this year for American Courage, who is trained by Travis Alexander for owner-breeders Fiddler’s Creek Stables, LLC of Naples, FL. He paid $3.70 to win as the wagering favorite.

For complete race results, click here.

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink