Sea Venture was on his game from off-the-pace Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $36,000 Open Handicap Pace as part of a George Brennan five-bagger
.
Unhurried early from post position No. 6, Sea Venture watched as Flipper J (Cat Manzi) brushed to the lead around Code Word (Jason Bartlett) right at the :27.1 opening quarter-mile. From there, he tried to hide, with a :54.4 half and 1:22.3 three-quarters.
Company was coming down the backside, as Bettors Reward (Mark MacDonald) went past a stopping Code Word. Versado (Jim Pantaleano)--the 6-5 choice who had tried to leave the gate--was behind that one. Versado appeared to skip for a stride, before eventually going wide. Meanwhile, a third-over Sea Venture angled inside for the drive.
Flipper J owned a length and a half lead into the lane, but was tiring. Sea Venture continued his rally, winning by a half-length in 1:51.3. Versado was a solid second after an eventful trip, with Flipper J, Nob Hill High (Jordan Stratton) and Sand Benelli (Larry Stalbaum) rounded out the payees.
For Sea Venture, a four-year-old Western Terror gelding co-owned by trainer Lou Pena and Racing Team of America, he returned $8.40 (third choice) for his fifth win in 16 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $22, with the triple returning $51.50.
Yonkers hosts its first New York Sire Stakes Monday night, with the $339,040 Hugh Grant Pace for three-year-old colts and geldings going in five divisions.
(With files from Yonkers Raceway)