Winner taken down in Yonkers Open

Simon Says Hanover may have won the 3–5-Year-Old $36,000 Open Pace at Yonkers Raceway Thursday (Aug. 24) evening, but the harness racing officials inquiry light came right on and once the dust was settled, Simon Says Hanover was placed 1st to 4th.

The 2^nd race feature got underway with Simon Says Hanover and driver Joe Bongiorno clearing to the early lead from post four and they were challenged on the outside by Hazeville (George Brennan).

Bongiorno looked to be sawing and trying to take back on the lines with Simon Says Hanover, but still parked out Hazeville first-over to the opening quarter mile in :27.2.

Those two went neck and neck to the half mile in :56.4 with Hazeville unable to clear by Simon Says Hanover as the dogfight continued through the three-quarters in 1:24. Meanwhile, Shake It (Heston Blue Chip) and driver Jason Bartlett were enjoying a two-hole trip the entire mile.

By the top of the stretch, Hazeville was backing off as Simon Says Hanover kept on pacing, winning by two and three-quarter lengths. Shake It was second with race favorite Greg The Leg (Brent Holland) third.

The judge’s lights came right up and after review, Simon Says Hanover was placed fourth for causing confusion among the trailing horses on the first turn. Shake It was placed first, timed in 1:52.2. Greg The Leg was placed second and Nuttin But Finesse (Jordan Stratton) placed third.

SHAKE IT REPLAY

It was the second win this year for Shake It. The four-year-old gelding is trained by Per Engblom for the Morrison Racing Stables and paid $15.40 to win.

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

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink