The third rendition of Yonkers Raceway’s 'Matinee Madness' went postward during a downright balmy (mid-'50’s) pre-Thanksgiving Sunday.

The 12-race card again began with five French-centric, overstuffed, mile-and-a-quarter trotting fields. A dozen were behind the gate for the opener (post time 11:12 a.m.), with favoured Itzaziam (Brian Sears, $5.70) winning that event in 2:27.3 for the added distance.

Included in the extra-distance extravaganza was the $46,000 Open Handicap and the 10-trotter test won by a backside-busting Dancehall Mistress (Sears, $25.60) in 2:26.1.

The Sunday overseas numbers continue strong, with more than 1.2 million Euros (more than 1.5 million US dollars) wagered during the five exported events. The first three matinees have seen a total of more than four million Euros (or more than five million US dollars) wagered for 15 races by the French-hubbed audience (including Switzerland, Belgium, Spanish Basque community, Germany, Austria, Luxemburg, Holland, Estonia and Malta).

Sunday’s Pick 5, buoyed by a double carryover of more than $7,000, attracted $16,710 of fresh lettuce. The winning combination of 4/4/4/1/2 paid $3,924.75 for every four bits.

(Yonkers Raceway)