Streaking Simon Says Hanover (Captaintreacherous) had no problem stepping up to the Yonkers Raceway $35,000 Invitational Pace on Monday night (February 12th), leading most of the way to take his fourth harness racing win in a row.
The six-year-old gelding came into the race boasting three consecutive closing wins in the 3 to 6-year-old Open. Driver Matt Kakaley took a more aggressive approach this time, however, signaling his intent by blasting off at the start and marching to the front, touching down on the lead prior to reaching the :27.0 opening quarter.
Adam Twelve (Yannick Gingras) was the first leader and he happily accepted the pocket to follow the 7 to 5 second choice. Meanwhile, 6 to 5 favorite Covered Bridge (Jordan Stratton), who took back from the widest post at the start, sat fifth and last.
Simon Says Hanover led through an unstressed half in :56.0 as Kakaley backed down the pace with a :29.0 second frame.
Leonidas A (Austin Seigelman) was the first to move, pulling first-over heading to the three quarters, but he wouldnāt threaten the leader. Covered Bridge followed and tipped wide around his stalled rival not long after the three quarters was passed in 1:23.2.
Simon Says Hanover opened up turning for home and held pocket sitter Adam Twelve safe by three quarters of a length in a snappy 1:52.0. Covered Bridge closed gamely for third, two lengths behind the winner in a good effort. Leonidas A held fourth over Sonny Weaver N (George Brennan).
SIMON SAYS HANOVER REPLAY
Simon Says Hanover took his third win in as many starts in 2024, and the Jared Bako trainee boosted his lifetime earnings to close to $379,000. He is owned by Randy Zane of Quebec. He paid $4.80 to win and topped an Exacta that returned a healthy $32.80 for each two dollar wager.
For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.
by Garnet Barnsdale, for Harnesslink