Desperate Man wins Yonkers invitational

The 3-2 favorite Desperate Man (Shadow Play) and harness racing driver Matt Kakaley captured the $39,000 Invitational Pace Monday (July 8) at Yonkers Raceway.

Hellabalou (Joe Bongiorno) took the early lead, followed by Covered Bridge (Jordan Stratton) and Rocknroll Runa A (Mark Macdonald). At the opening quarter in :27.3, Hellabalou led the way by a length and a half over Rocknroll Runa A.

Hellabalou continued to front the field as they came by the stands for the first time. Rocknroll Runa A followed in second. From the outside, Desperate Man was first-over and looking to challenge Covered Bridge for third. They passed the half mile in :56.

Desperate Man was making his way to the front to challenge Hellabalou for the lead as they came by the three-quarter mile in 1:22.4. As they came down the stretch, Desperate Man led the way from the outside. Desperate Man crossed the wire first in 1:50.3. Rocknroll Runa A followed in second and Hemsworth N (Scott Zeron) got third.

DESPERATE MAN REPLAY

Desperate Man is a 6-year-old gelding owned by Kathy Cecchin and trained by Travis Alexander. He paid $5.10 to win.

There were two $39,000 Open paces for 3–5-year-olds. Dunkin` (Pet Rock) won the first in race 2, crossing the wire in 1:51. The other went to Venturesome Arden N (Captaintreacherous) in race 9. He finished in 1:53.

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

by Nicolle Kain, for Harnesslink