Reformed claimer Dallenbach Hanover, driven by Brian Sears, prevailed from the pocket Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's blustery $37,000 Open Handicap Pace.
Inheriting the pole after an inside defection (one of two scratches in the race), 'Dallenbach' -- as the 17-10 favourite -- gave up the lead to China Grill (Pat Lachance).
China Grill led through intervals of :27.2 and :57.1 before the three-year-old interloper Ultimate Beachboy (George Brennan) moved from fifth. That one prompted in and out of a 1:25.3 three-quarters, with China Grill taking a length and a half lead into the lane.
However, he was done, as in surrounded on both sides. It was Dallenbach Hanover ducking side, besting a stubborn 'Ultimate' by a head in 1:54.1. Pan From Nantucket (Eric Goodell), China Grill and Rollwithitharry (Dan Dube) completed the cashers, while All Speed Hanover (Brent Holland) earned valuable experience...but, alas, no money.
Dallenbach Hanover, a six-year-old Allamerican Native gelding trained by Cad Gregory for co-owners Richard Spota Stables and John Kay Racing, returned $5.40 for his sixth win in 38 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $31.20, with the triple returning $126.50.
Props to Jason Bartlett, who had five winners on the dozen-race card.
(Yonkers Raceway)