On Tuesday, April 28 at Yonkers Raceway, Ron Burke trainee March Awareness defeated A Cool Million in winning the $66,500 final of the aptly-named YR/SOA of New York Bonus Trotting Series in 1:55.4.
The George Brennan-driven March Awareness, who was part of the favoured entry in the race, worked out a second-over trip after having started from Post 5. The Jordan Stratton-driven A Cool Million cut the fractions in the race (:28, :57.3 and 1:25.4) but was defeated by a closing March Awareness by a scant nose. Bentley Karan (who was driven by Jason Bartlett) finished third.
“He had a good trip, a good mile, even though I moved him earlier in the turn,” Brennan told the Yonkers publicity department. “They added an inside head pole, and that definitely helped. It worked out very well.”
The other part of the favoured entry, Lucky Colby (Eric Carlson), had raced first-up in the mile and had towed March Awareness into contention. Lucky Colby ultimately finished fourth. The Andy Miller-driven Massive Talent picked up the final purse cheque by finishing fifth.
March Awareness, a five-year-old Ken Warkentin gelding, is co-owned by Burke Racing and Weaver Bruscemi. The victory was the fourth win of March Awareness’ 2015 campaign and his 16th lifetime. The exacta returned $14 and the triactor returned $33.60.
A $30,000 series consolation was also contested during the card and was won by the Tyler Buter-driven Striker Ace in 1:57.4 Striker Ace returned $48.60 on a successful $2 win wager.
(With files from Yonkers)