Favourite Aliveandwell N (Ryan Anderson) conquered the cavalry Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $38,000 Open Handicap Pace
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Leaving from post position No. 5, Aliveandwell N moved around Forensic Z Tam (Pat Lachance), securing the lead before a :27.3 opening quarter-mile. After a :56.4 intermission, longshot Lahaye (Dan Dube) provided some unwanted advances.
Leader and stalker locked horns in and out of the 1:25.1 three-quarters, with Aliveandwell N clinging to a scant advantage turning for home.
The people's preference was bloodied by unbowed, holding 'em all off and winning by a neck in a life-best 1:53.2. Forensic Z Tam couldn't get there from the pocket, while a late-arriving 46-1 Steuben N (Brent Holland), J As Outlaw (George Brennan) and Lahaye completing the cashers. The quintet of payees was separated by just a length at the line.
For Aliveandwell N, a six-year-old Down Under Live Or Die gelding co-owned by (trainer) Joe Anderson (as part of Anderson Racing), Gerrie Tucker and RBH Ventures, he returned $5.60 for his fourth win 15 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $21.20, with the triple returning $188.50.
Please note that the $437,100 Messenger Stakes and the $326,680 Lady Maud Pace are both scheduiled for next Saturday night. The draw takes place on Tuesday afternoon.
(Yonkers Raceway)