Itty Bitty was the best after two moves Friday night, winning Yonkers Raceway’s $35,000 Filly and Mare Preferred Handicap Pace.
Away third from assigned post position No. 5, Itty Bitty and driver Dan Dube watched as 3-5 favourite Feelin Red Hot (George Brennan) leap-frogged her quintet of inside rivals.
After early intervals of :27 and :57, Itty Bitty was out and moving toward a 1:25.2 three-quarters. She then engaged the leader in and out of the final turn, with the people’s preference empty through the lane. Itty Bitty was able to close the sale, the final margin over two-hole Cays Blessing (Jason Bartlett) a neck in 1:54.2. Made Of Jewels AS (Eric Goodell) was third.
For second choice Itty Bitty, a now-six-year-old daughter of Always A Virgin co-owned (as Allard Racing) by (trainer) Rene Allard, B&I Stables, Stephen Klunowski and John Schmucker, it was a successful seasonal debut for a 24th career victory. She paid $8.10 to win.
(Yonkers)