Track record set in $250,000 Aria Invitational Pace

Once Bythemissal (Downbytheseaside) cleared to the lead after the opening quarter mile, the gusty four-year-old gelding could not be caught in setting a track record in the $250,000 Aria Invitational Pace at Yonkers Raceway Saturday, September 9, 2023.

The 10^th race co-feature, held at a distance of 1 and ¼ mile, saw None Bettor A (Jason Bartlett) shoot to the early lead from the rail but by the first quarter saw that lead taken away by Allways Hanover (Todd McCarthy) in :27.2.

Then coming first-over and taking command was the 1/5 favorite, Bythemissal and driver Yannick Gingras. They led to the half mile in a quick :55.4.

Streaking up first-over was Poseidon Seelster (George Brennan) and pressed Bythemissal to the three-quarters in 1:26.2. In the backstretch Brian Sears came three-wide with Linedrive Hanover and following them was Leonidas A (Austin Siegelman) at the mile marker in 1:54.

The speed continued with horses fanning four-wide on the final turn, but they could not even stay close to Bythemissal who went on to win by three and one-quarter lengths in track record time of 2:21.1. The pocket sitting Allywag Hanover was second with Leonidas A third.

BYTHEMISSAL REPLAY

The former track record for older pacing geldings at 1 and ¼ mile distance was 2:22.1 set by Simon Says Hanover on June 20, 2023.

“He’s been racing really good,” Said Gingras after the race. “I really felt he was the best horse in the race. Today he was definitely on his game.”

For Bythemissal, it was his seventh win in nine starts this year for trainer Ron Burke. He is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Eric Good, Rich Lombardo Stable and Weaver Bruscemi and paid $2.60 to win.

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

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink