Stormy Kromer grinds out Open score

With a gusty, first-over move in the backstretch, Stormy Kromer and harness racing driver Daniel Dube were able to grind it out in capturing the $39,000 Open Trot at Yonkers Raceway Friday evening.

The ninth race (one second allowance) feature got underway with Warrior One (George Brennan) shooting out to the early lead and stinging Mississippi Storm (Jordan Stratton) to the opening quarter mile in :28.2.

The field then raced single file past the half mile in :57.3 and that was when Dube took Stormy Kromer first-over with Hayek (Jason Bartlett) following second-over.

By the three-quarters in 1:26.1, both horses were neck and neck for the lead as Dube pulled the earplugs on Stormy Kromer and was finally able to pull away in mid-stretch.

Then in a late turn of speed, Hayek and Barlett were closing fast but Stormy Kromer hung game and won by a half-length. Mississippi Storm and Warrior One ended up in a dead-heat for third.

STORMY KROMER REPLAY

For Stormy Kromer, an eight-year-old gelded son of Dejarmbro, it was his first start of the 2022 for trainer Paul Stafford. He is owned by Thomas Ceraso, Jr. of CT and paid $6.20 to win.

For full race results, click here.

By Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink