Leonidas A won Yonkers Raceway’s $37,000 Open Handicap Pace on Monday night to improve his record in 2021 to six wins from seven starts and wagering on the 11-race program exceeded $1 million.
Driven by Austin Siegelman, Leonidas A left from post five and was able to clear pole-sitter Ostro Hanover (Tyler Buter) to take over the lead before the :27.3 opening quarter. Leonidas A continued to show the way through a :56.2 half and a 1:23.4 three-quarters, but Moonshine Kisses (Jason Bartlett) was out and on the move first-over from third before the latter marker.
Moonshine Kisses made some headway around the last turn and into the lane, but Leonidas A dug in gamely through the stretch and held sway to win by a head in 1:51.1. Ostro Hanover saved third over Twin B Tuffenuff (George Brennan).
Trained by Sheena McElhiney for owner Jesmeral Stable, Leonidas A picked up his 30th career victory and has now earned $356,048. The 4-5 favourite, Leonidas A paid $3.60 to win.
Wagering action was strong throughout the night, and when the program was all over, it turned out to be another “Million Dollar Monday” at Yonkers, as the handle totalled $1,011,530.
Yonkers Raceway resumes live action on Tuesday night at 7:15 p.m. and continues on a Monday-Friday schedule.
(Yonkers)