Round 2 of Yonkers Raceway’s “Hooves Across the Atlantic” went postward Sunday.
The 12-race card again began with five French-centric, overstuffed, mile-and-a-quarter trotting fields. A dozen were behind the gate for the opener (post time 11:17 a.m.), with favoured Fort Valley AS (Jason Bartlett, $5) winning that event in 2:27.4 for the added distance.
“Everyone seems to be getting used to it,” Bartlett said of the added distance. “There’s more early movement in races, and I think we have learned how to drive for it. “
Even the horses seemed to have read the memo. The five races featured 54 horses and just one breaker.
For the second matinee program, Yonkers brought out the big guns, as Hall of Famer Mike Lachance was on hand to lend his expertise to those folks wagering in France (as well as Switzerland, Belgium, Spanish Basque community, Germany, Austria, Luxemburg, Holland, Estonia and Malta).
Once again, the overseas numbers were strong, with approximately $1.45 million Euros (approx. $1.81 million US dollars) wagered on the on the five “French races.” (First Sunday was $1.4 million Euros or approximately $1.75 million US dollars).
The week’s marquee trot, a $44,000 Open Handicap, was “regular” in both starters (eight) and distance (one mile). Eight-hole assignee Rossini (Bartlett, $32), last at the three-quarters and seventh turning for home, rolled over his rivals late, winning in 1:56.1 for a second consecutive victory.
(Yonkers Raceway)