Bettor Memories did it the hard way Saturday night (Feb. 1), as he ultimately prevailed in Yonkers Raceway’s $35,000 Preferred Handicap Pace after having charged into contention with a first-up foray.

Unhurried from post 4, Bettor Memories saw reformed claimer—and 7-10 favourite—Keystone Phoenix lead through seemingly-soft intervals of :27 and :56. Bettor Memories then moved from fifth, making up significant ground into a :27.4 third quarter (1:23.4). Keystone Phoenix was about to wear out his welcome in and out of the final turn.

Bettor Memories went by, closing the sale in 1:52. San Domino A stalked the winner but missed a head, with a trapped Trump Nation extricating himself from the pocket to grab third.

Tremendous Play and a tiring Keystone Phoenix settled for the remainder.

For fourth-choice Bettor Memories, a seven-year-old Bettors Delight gelding owned by Gus Dovi and trained by Richard "Nifty" Norman, it was his second (consecutive) win in three seasonal starts. Eric Goodell drove the $21.00 winner. The exacta paid $85.50, the triple returned $294 and the superfecta paid $1,640.

Saturday night’s $27,000 trotting feature was a down-the-the-road display by favoured Will Take Charge, driven by Jordan Stratton, in 1:55.2. He paid $5.50 to win.

The Raceway’s live schedule continues with a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday first post of 7:05 p.m., as usual.

(Yonkers Raceway)