Mickey Hanover (Dan Dube, $7.70) continued his roll Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $26,000 Winner-Over Pace.
Trying to leave from post position No. 4, "Mickey" was forced to take back as Rockstar Temper (catch-driver Greg Merton) stuffed slight 2-1 choice Doctor Butch (Jordan Stratton) in behind.
After a snappy :26.3 opening quarter-mile and softer (:29.1) next sub-section (:55.4 half), Mickey Hanover moved from fourth...and did so with purpose.
He went up and over a tiring Rockstar Temper just before a 1:23.4 three-quarters, busting it open to four lengths entering the lane. The final margin was 4-3/4 lengths in 1:52. Mr Hasani N (Eric Carlson), who lost his tow from the handy winner, did hold second, with Santanna One (Jason Bartlett), Doctor Burch and Ronny Bugatti (Mark MacDonald) rounding out the payees.
Rockstar Temper tired to last (seventh), his first loss in five tries since the barn change.
For second choice Mickey Hanover, a six-year-old son of The Panderosa co-owned by his driver, his trainer Rene Allard and Yves Sarazin, it was his eighth win 18 seasonal starts (four-for-five since returning to town). The exacta paid $49.20, with the triple returning $384.
(Yonkers Raceway)