Party time for Siesta Beach

Siesta Beach captured the mares’ harness racing crown at Yonkers Raceway with an authoritative score in the $48,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace on Thursday.

Austin Siegelman captained the American Ideal mare and directed her to the front, which she took after rounding the first turn two-wide. Following a taxing :27.2 first quarter, Siegelman reduced the tempo with no pressure coming and guided the mare to the half in :57.

Nearing five-eighths, the favoured Racine Bell (Jason Bartlett) began a long first-over campaign from fourth, and Siegelman pulled the plugs from Siesta Beach as the challenger loomed going to three-quarters. Racine Bell narrowed the gap further as they passed that point in 1:24.2, but she laboured after her tiring advance. Siesta Beach finished fastest and replenished her margin to two lengths as she crossed the finish line a winner in 1:53.

Dragon Roll (George Brennan) converted her pocket trip into a second-place finish. Racine Bell faded to third.

SIESTA BEACH REPLAY

Siesta Beach improved her career tally to 18 and her earnings to $348,645 with the win. The five-year-old has started 67 times. She has won five Yonkers Opens after ascending the class ladder when Nicholas Devita became her trainer in October 2020. Eric Prevost of Boynton Beach owns her.

Yonkers Raceway will hold a 10-race card to finish its week on Friday, Sep. 17. The first race is set for 7:15 p.m. EDT.

For full race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink