Rodeo Rock, one of eight come-from-behind winners during the Saturday, Dec. 1 10-race card, disposed of Yonkers Raceway’s $44,000 Open Handicap Pace in first-up fashion.
Away fourth from assigned post position two, Rodeo Rock swallowed up early leader Mach It So, who set splits of :26.3 and :56 on the lead, just past a 1:24 three-quarters. Rodeo Rock quickly opened two lengths off the final turn and then held off even-money favourite Great Vintage by three-quarters of a lengths in 1:52.4.
Great Vintage, trapped in behind a tiring leader, angled out but could not reach. Christen Me N, Soho Lennon A and Bettor Memories rounded out the payees.
For seventh choice Rodeo Rock, a five-year-old Rock N Roll Heaven gelding owned by Royal Wire Products and trained by Robert Cleary, it was his eighth win in 28 seasonal starts. Driven by Eric Goodell, he paid $28.20 to win. The exacta paid $92, the triple returned $448 and the superfecta paid $1,005.
The Raceway offers a Sunday, Dec. 2 matinee with a first post of 11:45 a.m.
(With files from Yonkers Raceway)