Locally-debuting Sams A Champ A and locally-needs-no-introduction Smalltownthrowdown earned the glory Saturday, March 9, winning Yonkers Raceway’s co-featured $44,000 Open Handicaps.

Pole-assigned Sams A Champ A stalked 9-10 choice Bettor Memories though spongy intervals of :28, 57.2 and 1:25 in the week’s adult pace, then rolled right by. Sams A Champ A defeated a second-over Shnonucrzydiamnd A by three-quarters a length in a life-best 1:52.4.

Bettor Memories gave it up and faded to third, with Nocturnal Bluechip and Imarocnrollegend N rounded out the payees.

For second-choice Sams A Champ A, a seven-year-old Down Under Dawn Ofa New Day gelding owned and trained by Tahnee Camilleri, it was his second win in a pair North American starts. Jim Marohn Jr. drove the $7.60 winner. The exacta paid $79.50, the triple returned $162.50 and the superfecta paid $984.

The weekly marquee trot saw hard-knocking Smalltownthrowdown—from assigned post position No. 5—just last through fractions of :28.3, :58.4 and 1:27.1 to win in 1:55.4. Meladys Monet, as the 9-5 favourite, received his memo late, slightly gapping from second-up and then rallying to miss a nose. Blenheim, Mostinterestingman and Buen Camino settled for the minor moolah.

For third-choice Smalltownthrowdown, a six-year-old Cash Hall gelding co-owned (as Allard Racing) by (trainer) Rene Allard, Bruce Soulsby, Yves Sarazin and VIP Internet Stable, it was his second win in six tries this season. Dan Dube drove the $9.00 winner. The exacta paid $28.20, the triple returned $123.50 and the superfecta paid $306.50.

The season’s fastest local mile—1:51.3—was turned in by a down-the-road fave Anythingforlove A (Bongiorno, $4.30) in the $35,000 ninth-race pace. A subsequent victory by Gratian Hanover ($7.10) a race later gave the Bongiornos—driver Joe and trainer Jennifer—six wins from as many Westchester weekend starters.

Last but not last, it was the 25th career win for Smalltownthrowdown and No. 8,995 for Dube.

(With files from Yonkers Raceway)