American Mercury handles class hike to Open

Pulling first-over in the backstretch from a pocket-trip American Mercury (American Ideal) was able to handle a hike in class in capturing the top level $36,000 Open Handicap harness racing pace at Yonkers Raceway Monday, September 4, 2023.

The 7^th race feature saw Moonshine Kisses (George Brennan) go right to the early lead from post six with race favorite American Mercury and driver Joe Bongiorno grabbing the two-hole spot as they sped to the opening quarter mile in :27.1.

They raced single file to the half mile in :56 and then into the backstretch where Bongiorno was not waiting any longer and pulled from the pocket trip and came after Moonshine Kisses by the three-quarters in 1:23.3.

Then on the outside on the turn for home, American Mercury was able to pass by Moonshine Kisses and then easily hold off Whats Stanley Got A (Jordan Stratton) to win at the wire by three-quarters of a length in 1:51.1. Rocknroll Runa A (Jason Bartlett) was third.

AMERICAN MERCURY REPLAY

It was the second straight win and the sixth victory on the year for American Mercury. The seven-year-old gelding is trained by Jenn Bongiorno, who co-owns American Mercury with Evans Nation and Hickory Hollow Stable. He paid $5.60 to win.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink