Double-millionaire Resolve will return to the scene of his world-record romp this Saturday night (June 24), as he will headline Yonkers Raceway’s $55,000 Open Handicap Trot.
When last working in Westchester, the now-six-year-old son of Muscle Hill made short work of his rivals in last October’s million-dollar Yonkers International Trot. Resolve went the (mile-and-a-quarter) distance in a spiffy 2:23.4.
Resolve, pictured winning the International Trot at Yonkers Raceway (Mike Lizzi Photo)
Resolve began this season by winning the $200,000 Cutler Memorial (at the Meadowlands Racetrack), then hightailed it to Solvalla, where he was second (elimination) and third (final) in the Elitlopp.
Assigned outside his seven rivals in Saturday night’s sixth race, trainer Ake Svanstedt will take his usual seat for owner Hans Enggren.
There are few lightweights in this week’s marquee trot.
Obrgiado (Mark MacDonald, Post 6) and his $1.6 million resume started his season with a solid second in Scioto’s $200,000 Hill Memorial, while veteran state-bred Gural Hanover (George Brennan, Post 4) has been rock-solid in his last three tries across the river.
Meladys Monet (Jason Bartlett, Post 7), though not being able to reach from a 12-hole at Yonkers a week ago, had won two of his previous three local Open Handicap tries. Barn Doll (Jeff Gregory, Post 3) will defend the honour of the fairer sex and will be looking for her 20th career win.
Springbank Sam N (Jordan Stratton, Post 1), Money Maven (Eric Goodell, Post 2) and Red Hot Herbie (Dan Dube, Post 5) complete the octet.
Saturday night’s co-featured $55,000 Open Handicap Pace (Race 8) finds Western Fame (MacDonald) banished behind the eight-ball.
(Yonkers Raceway)