YONKERS, NY, Monday, October 15, 2012--"I'm the happiest person here."
Such was the post-race assessment of driver Marcus Miller, who made a winning
Yonkers Raceway debut Monday night.
Miller went the distance with odds-on favorite Domethatagain ($2.90) in the
$19,000, seventh-race pace. The 3-year-old statebred son of Bettor's Delight
aired by 5½ lengths, negotiating the sloppy surface in 1:53.1. Domethatgain is
co-owned by Mystical Marker Farms, Peggy Hood and Mary Jane Anderson and
trained by Miller's father, Erv.
It's the family connection which had the younger Miller pay a visit from his
Chicagoland base, though Westchester was not originally part of the itinerary.
"I had planned to visit my family, because I hadn't seen their new farm
(in Wind Gap, PA)," Marcus Miller said.
"As it turned out, Brent (Holland), who had been driving both of dad's
horses that raced tonight, began a suspension, so dad asked me to drive
them."
"I knew Domethatagain is a talented colt (seasonal earnings approaching
$120,000), but honestly, I was just hoping to get around there safe."
"I'd never been here (Yonkers) before, and I'm glad I was here tonight. It
paid for my plane ticket."
Miller’s other drive wasn’t quite as memorable, as he broke in the second turn
with Back to the West and finished last in $19,000, 12th-race pace.
The 23-year-old Miller, who ranks second (to Mike Oosting) in wins at both
Balmoral and Maywood, has made a name for himself the past four seasons. His
career totals of more than 1,600 wins and $10 million in purses include
personal bests in those categories of 501 and just over $3 million, both set in
2011.
His 368 wins thus far in 2012 place him 13th in North America.
Also of note Monday night were the five wins--including four in a row--by one
Brian Sears.
The Raceway continues its normal five-night-per-week live schedule, with first
post every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:10 PM. Evening
simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting
available around the NYRA schedule.
