Statesman N and driver Brian Sears prevailed from a loose pocket Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $46,000 Open Handicap Pace.

Sent off as the even-money favourite from the pylons, Statesman N was content to play understudy to Sapphire City (Jason Bartlett) through soft early intervals of :27.3 and :56.2. It was Dancin Yankee (Eric Goodell) prompting first-up through a :27.1 third quarter (1:23.3). Sapphire City repelled that one, taking a length and a half lead into the lane.

Statesman N edged out, and did get there...barely, winning by a neck in 1:51.3. Sapphire City held second over a pylon-skimming American Rage (Jim Pantaleano), with Clear Vision (George Brennan) and Fat Mans Alley (Brent Holland) settling for the remainder.

Statesman N, a six-year-old Down Under Christian Cullen gelding trained by Mark Harder for owners Our Horse Cents, J&T Silva Stables and Peter Venturini, returned $4 for his sixth win in 19 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $15, with the triple returning $85.

(Yonkers Raceway)