YONKERS, NY, Saturday, May 19, 2012—Sea Venture (George Brennan, five winners
on the dozen-race card) was on his game from off-the-pace Saturday night,
winning Yonkers Raceway's $36,000 Open Handicap Pace.
Unhurried early from post position No.
6, he watched as Flipper J (Cat Manzi) brushed to the lead around Code Word
(Jason Bartlett) right at the :27.1 opening quarter-mile. From there, he tried
to hide, with a 54.4 half and 1:22.3 three-quarters.
Company was coming down the backside, as Bettor's Reward (Mark MacDonald) went past a stopping Code Word. Versado (Jim Pantaleano)--the 6-5 choice who had tried to leave the gate--was behind that one. Versado appeared to skip for a stride, before eventually going wide. Meanwhile, a third-over Sea Venture angled inside for the drive.
Flipper J owned a length-and-a-half lead into the lane, but was tiring. Sea Venture continued his rally, winning by a half-length in 1:51.3. Versado was a solid second after an eventful trip, with Flipper J, Nob Hill High (Jordan Stratton) and Sand Benelli (Larry Stalbaum) rounded out the payees.
For Sea Venture, a 4-year-old Western Terror gelding co-owned by (trainer) Lou Pena and Racing Team of America, he returned $8.40 (third choice) for his fifth win in 16 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $22, with the triple returning $51.50.
Yonkers hosts its first New York Sire Stakes Monday night, with the $339,040
Hugh Grant Pace for 3-year-old colts and geldings going in five divisions.
The Raceway's five-night-per-week (Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday)
live schedule continues. First post for all programs remains at 7:10 PM.
Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting
available around the NYRA schedule.
