First-up McErlean (Eric Carlson, $19) held off favoured Beach Memories (George Brennan) Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $35,000 Open Handicap Pace.

Sitting in early from post position No. 4, McErlean watched as Mickey Hanover (Dan Dube) had to work to get around pole-assignee Orillia Joe (Brent Holland). "Mickey" did, getting early fractions of :27.3 and :56.4.

Shortly thereafter, MrErlean moved from fifth, with locally-debuting Beach Memories -- as the 9-10 choice -- in behind. Mickey Hanover led past the 1:25.1 three-quarters, but was about to drop anchor. It was McErlean taking a length and a half lead into the lane, then holding off Beach Memories by three-quarters of a length in 1:52.3.

Orillia Joe, P H Supercam (Jason Bartlett) and Machs Beach Boy (Pat Lachance) rounded out the payees.

For fourth choice McErlean, a five-year-son of McArdle owned by Muscara Racing Trust and trained by Darren Cassar, it was his eighth win in 30 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $69.50, with the triple returning $505.

(Yonkers Raceway)