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Sunday, July 23, 2017

HOMICIDE HUNTER WINS SUNDAY AFTERNOON 68G OPEN HANDICAP TROT

BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Sunday, July 23, 2017—Homicide Hunter (Brian Sears, $6.10) who missed a hard-charging head a week ago, had no such angst this time around, winning Sunday afternoon’s (July 23rd), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $68,000 Open Handicap Trot.

The last of three early leaders, Homicide Hunter—from assigned post position No. 7 among the dozen--took over after Bueno Camino (Scott Zeron) and Springbank Sam N (Jordan Stratton) each had a spin in the big chair.   

Homicide Hunter, as the 2-1 wagering choice, made the lead in the second turn, between a :28.3 opening quarter-mile and :57.2 half. His ascension to the throne left Hemi Seelster (Jason Bartlett) first-up, sitting outside.

Homicide Hunter (1:28.3 three-quarters, mile in 1:55.4) hade few issues thereafter, widening to 2½ lengths in the lane before ‘running’ away by four lengths. The mile-and-a-quarter went in a spiffy 2:24.3.
Buen Camino edged Springbank Sam N for second, with Fashion Creditor (Eric Goodell) and Awsome Valley (Greg Merton) settling for the minors.

Hemi Seelster, who has had success in races where he’s been out every step, couldn’t replicate it here, winding up last among the dozen.    

For Homicide Hunter, a 5-year-old Mr. Cantab gelding owned by Crawford Farms Racing and trained by Chris Oakes, it was his fourth win in seven seasonal starts. The exacta paid $25.20, with the triple returning $94.

Sunday’s installment of the ‘New York, New York Double’ offered a winning combination of 5-Uncle Mojo (Saratoga’s 3rd race) and 2-I C Caviar (Yonkers’ 7th race) paid $10.70 for every correct $1 wager. Total pool was $4,231.

Note the Raceway’s post time next Sunday (July 30th) is 11:30 AM.


(Author’s aside…I C Caviar was Bartlett’s 7,000th career win. Separate story/pix shortly).