Roland N Rock (Jordan Stratton, $6.90) launched a decisive backside move Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway’s $45,000 Open Handicap Pace.
Away fourth — from assigned post position No. 2 — among the half-dozen, Roland N Rock watched as 11-10 choice Limelight Beach (George Brennan) made the lead around P H Supercam (Jason Bartlett).
Early intervals of :27.1 and a flat 57 seconds should have served the leader well, but alas, nope.
Roland N Rock moved at the leader by the 1:25.1 three-quarters, meeting no push-back whatsoever. ‘Roland’ opened a length-and-a-half lead into the lane, then held off the rival he dragged in — a last-early Blood Brother (Scott Zeron) — by a neck in 1:53.1.
P H Supercam was a trapped third, with Sports Bettor (Dan Dube) and Somewhere Fancy (Matt Kakaley) rounding out the payees. Limelight Beach retreated to last.
For second choice Roland N Rock, a now-five-year-old Rocknroll Hanover gelding co-owned by Connie & Duane Roland and trained by Rob Harmon, it was a season-debuting victory. The exacta paid $57, with the triple returning $319.50.
Saturday’s Pick 5 wager did not get hit, so Sunday’s gimmick begins with a double-carryover of $6,426.84 (50-cent base wager, races six through 10). Reminder first post for the ‘French’ 10-race card is 11:30 a.m.
(With files from Yonkers Raceway)