New Zealand import takes Yonkers $36,000 Open

Racing over a track labeled good with a one-second allowance, harness racing favorite Coachellabound N (Sweet Lou) was able to come first-over in the backstretch in capturing the $36,000 Fillies & Mares Open Handicap Pace at Yonkers Raceway Friday (Sept. 29). It was the first time that Coachellabound N had competed in the Open ranks.

The 2^nd race feature saw Drama Act (George Brennan) muscle the lead away from Karma Seelster (Jordan Stratton) by the opening quarter mile in :27.

No one made a move to challenge as Drama Act cut the mile past the half in :57. Then in the backstretch it was Coachellabound N and driver Brent Holland pulling out first-over from fourth place and giving outside cover Uptown Hanover (Jim Marohn, Jr.) to the three-quarters in 1:25.

Around the final turn and Drama Act was still in front but Coachellabound N was not done yet and as they raced down the stretch collared Drama Act and won by a half a length in 1:53.3. Uptown Hanover was third.

COACHELLABOUND N REPLAY

A five-year-old mare, it was the third straight win for Coachellabound N and her ninth victory in eleven starts since coming to the USA from New Zealand this year. She is trained and owned by Ricky Bucci and paid $3.00 to win.

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

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink