YONKERS, NY, Saturday, March 3, 2012--Tobago Cays (Jim Pantaleano) prevailed from second-over Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $33,000 Open Handicap Pace.
Leaving from post position No. 5, Tobago Cays had many things work in his favor. First, he was able to slip in behind a early fray between Jerry's Brown Gold (Jordan Stratton), Fitz's Z Tam (Brent Holland) and 9-10 choice Real Nice (Jason Bartlett).
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| Tobago Cays (Jim Pantaleano) wins the Saturday night feature race. (Mike Lizzi Photo) |
It was "Fitz" eventually getting the lead after a 27-second opening quarter-mile, then rating a 56-second intermission. However, Real Nice--relegated to an early three-hole--was out again. He engaged Fitz's Z Tam toward a 1:23.3 three-quarters (:27.3), with Tobago Cays towed into it. With "Fitz" bout to wear out his welcome in and out of the final turn, Tobago Cays was ready for his orders.
He vaulted, then vanquished, winning by 3 1/2 lengths in 1:52.3. Rock to Glory (Eric Goodell), last turning for home, snapped second, with Real Nice, last week's winner, Code Word (Tyler Buter) and Jerry's Brown Gold grabbing the minor spoils.
For Tobago Cays, a 5-year-old son of Rocknroll Hanover (out of Bunny Lake) owned by Brian Nixon and trained by Ross Croghan, he returned $12.40 (third choice) for his third win in seven seasonal starts. The exacta paid $56, with the triple returning $214.
Yonkers' five-night-per-week (Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday) live schedule continues. First post for all programs remains at 7:10 PM. Evening simulating accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulating available around the NYRA schedule.
