Yonkers Raceway’s 2015 season began Friday night with a $35,000 featured Filly and Mare Open Pace.
Second-choice Set Me Up (George Brennan, $5.80), from post position No. 4, whipped her four foes, going the distance (:28.3, :58.2, 1:26.4, 1:54.4). Palm Patrol (Mark MacDonald) moved from third down the backside, closing the margin before missing a half-length. Cooking The Books (Eric Carlson) completed a sweep of the top three spots for Ontario-breds. A no-factor, 7-10 fave Robin Cruiser (Jordan Stratton) and Grounded (Jason Bartlett) completed the cashers/finishers. Early outside assignee -- and probable favourite -- Voelz Hanover was scratched.
The season-debuting Set Me Up comes off a career-best $120,000 year in 2014. The now-six-year-old daughter of Shark Gesture is co-owned by trainer Ron Burke (as Burke Racing) and Weaver Bruscemi.
The exacta paid $41.80, with the triple cancelled due to the abbreviated number of starters.
Note that since no one hit Friday’s Pick 5 wager, Saturday night’s gimmick begins with a carryover of $2,799.23 (50-cent base wager, races five through nine).
(With files from Yonkers Raceway)