Covered Bridge by a nose in Yonkers Invitational

Covered Bridge did his recently deceased sire American Ideal proud at Yonkers Raceway Monday night (Feb. 5) with a game nose victory in the $35,000 Invitational Pace.

In rein to Jordan Stratton, the 1 to 2 favorite signaled his intent at the outset to control the race, blasting off from the widest post in the five-horse field.

He cleared early leader Coaches Corner (Jason Bartlett) just after the field made the turn down the backside and the eight-year-old gelding cut a swift :27.1 opening quarter.

There was no movement to the half and Stratton backed it down with a :29.3 second stanza, reaching the half in :56.4. Groovy Joe (Yannick Gingras) was the first to move out of third, but he would not seriously threaten the leader.

Stratton stepped on the gas and Covered Bridge responded, producing a :27.4 third quarter with Groovy Joe spinning his wheels first-over and Coaches Corner lurking in the pocket, awaiting his chance to take his shot at the leader.

The three quarters was reached in 1:24.3 and when they spun for home it became apparent immediately that this Invitation Pace would be a two-horse sprint the finish with the two favorites deciding it.

Coaches Corner, under heavy Bartlett urging, threw everything he had at Covered Bridge, but the latter refused to lose, prevailing for the nose victory in 1:52.3.

It was three lengths back to Leonidas A (Austin Siegelman), who closed for third ahead of Groovy Joe. Whats Stanley Got A took the final check.

COVERED BRIDGE REPLAY

Covered Bridge was sent out by Jeff Gillis for owner Mark Ford of New York to his third win in four starts this year and 46th lifetime in his 139th start. He has now earned just over $1.18 million.

He returned $3.10 to win and combined with Coaches Corner for a popular Exacta that returned $4.50 for every $2 bet.

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

by Garnet Barnsdale, for Harnesslink