Repeat winner in Yonkers Invitational Pace

Harness racing fans were able to see a classic dogfight at Yonkers Raceway Monday evening (June 3) in the $39,000 Invitational Pace.

The 3^rd race feature got underway with Whats Stanley Got A (Jordan Stratton) shooting to the early lead from post five with None Bettor A (Joe Bongiorno) grabbing the two-hole spot. They raced single file to the quarter in :26.3 and the half mile in :55.1.

Then in the backstretch, Big Gulp (Scott Zeron) came first-over, giving live second-over cover to the race favorite Energetic Hanover (Captaintreacherous) and driver Jason Bartlett. Big Gulp was on the move at the three-quarters in 1:22.3.

Then on the final turn, Big Gulp cleared to the lead, but now faced a determined Energetic Hanover as those two were noses apart at the head of the stretch.

Energetic Hanover proved to be the strong horse, pulling away at the finish to win by one and one-half lengths in 1:50.2. Big Gulp held for second with Nandolo N (Lauren Tritton) closing for third place, four and one-half lengths back of the winner.

ENERGETIC HANOVER REPLAY

It was the second straight win and sixth triumph of the year for Energetic Hanover. The five-year-old gelding is trained by Tony Alagna for owner Sam Bowie (Former college and NBA star). He paid $4.40 to win.

In the 2^nd race $35,000 3-5 YO Open Pace saw 14-1 Duval Street (Huntsville) and driver Austin Siegelman sit inside from the start and work out a perfect trip to score the upset in the final strides to the wire.

Race favorite Its A Me Mario (Jason Bartlett) was first on the lead with Dunkin’ (Jim Marohn, Jr.) getting the two-hole trip and Duval Street sitting third along the pylons. First quarter went in :27.3.

They raced single file to the half mile in :57 and then the pace picked up as Marohn came out of the pocket first-over in the backstretch to take on Its A Me Mario. Second-over was Night Hawk (George Brennan).

As for Duval Street, he moved right into the two-hole trip behind pacesetter Its A Me Mario, who tripped the timer at the three-quarters in 1:24.4.

Coming down the stretch, Its A Me Mario bore out and Siegelman sent Duval Street along the pylons and then held off Dunkin’ to win by a neck in 1:52.1. Its A Me Mario was third.

DUVAL STREET REPLAY

It was the second straight win and third of the season for Duval Street. The four-year-old gelding is trained by Matthew Medeiros for the Jesmeral Stable and paid $30.00 to win.

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

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink