Homicide Hunter (Brian Sears, $6.10), who just missed by a hard-charging head last week, had no such angst this time around, as he captured Yonkers Raceway’s $68,000 Open Handicap Trot on Sunday afternoon (July 23).
The last of three early leaders, Homicide Hunter — who started from the assigned Post 7 in the field of 12 – took over after Bueno Camino (driven by Scott Zeron) and Springbank Sam N (Jordan Stratton) each had a spin in the big chair.
Homicide Hunter, as the 2-1 wagering choice, made the lead on the second turn, between a :28.3 opening quarter-mile and :57.2 half. His ascension to the throne left Hemi Seelster (Jason Bartlett) first-up and sitting on the outside.
Homicide Hunter spun by the three quarters pole in 1:28.3 and passed the mile marker in 1:55.4. He ended up winning the mile-and-a-quarter contest by four lengths in a 2:24.3 clocking. Buen Camino edged Springbank Sam N for second. Fashion Creditor (Eric Goodell) finished third.
Homicide Hunter is a five-year-old Mr Cantab gelding that is owned by Crawford Farms Racing and trained by Chris Oakes. It was his fourth win in seven seasonal starts. The exacta paid $25.20, with the triple returning $94.
Sunday’s installment of the ‘New York, New York Double’ offered a winning combination of 5-Uncle Mojo (Saratoga’s third race) and 2-I C Caviar (Yonkers’ seventh race) paid $10.70 for every correct $1 wager. The total pool was $4,231.
Please note that Yonkers’ post time next Sunday (July 30) will be 11:30 a.m.
(With files from Yonkers Raceway)