YONKERS,
NY, Friday, December 14, 2012--Sugar Queen Gabby (Brian Sears) rallied from
third-over Friday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $35,000 Open Trot.
Unhurried early from post position No. 2, Sugar Queen Gabby sat as 6-5 favorite
Looking Hanover (Yannick Gingras) left around pole-sitting Rookie Mistake
(Larry Stalbaum), making the lead before a :28.4 opening quarter-mile.
The people' preference then rated a :59.1 intermission before Likeabatoutahell
(Andy Miller)--who had nestled in fourth early--was out and moving again. That
one prompted the issue in and out of a 1:27.2 three-quarters, with Sand
Wyndham (Dan Dube) having to work to catch the tow.
All the while, Sugar Queen Gaby extricated herself from the cones, slipping out
behind Sand Wyndham as Looking Hanover's lead was slipping away.
Likeabatoutahell continued his challenge, with Rookie Mistake diving
inside.
However, it was "Gabby", sixth turning for home, offering the
fleetest foot. She defeated Rookie Mistake by a length-and-a-quarter in 1:56.3.
Looking Hanover faded to third, with Perfect Picture (Jordan Stratton) and Sand
Wyndham completing the cashers.
For Sugar Queen Gabby, a 5-year-old daughter of Dream Vacation trained by John
Stoutenberg for owner Tracy Lynn Cortese, she returned $12 (third choice) for
her seventh win in 29 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $63.50, the triple
returned $137 and the superfecta paid $716.
Also Friday, Yonkers feted (with the requisite sign) driver Jim Pantaleano, who
earlier in the day won his 6,000th career race.
The
Raceway continues its normal five-night-per-week live schedule through next
Saturday, 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.
