Atochia (Yannick Gingras) was a repeat winner Saturday night, winning Yonkers Raceway's $42,500 Open Handicap Pace
.
As was the case a week ago, Atochia worked out a perfect second-over trip. Leaving from post position No. 7, he fell into line fifth early as Legal Litigator (Stephane Bouchard) cleared the field like a hurdler.
That one led the way through intervals of :27.1, :56.1 and 1:24.3, taking heat from Arduous (Jim Pantaleano). Legal Litigator wore out his welcome off the final turn, while Atochia went wide. He was able to ge first "run" on the horse on his back, 9-5 choice Giddy Up Lucky (Eric Goodell), beating him a head in 1:53.1.
Lahaye (Brent Holland), Arduous amd Joey the Czar (Jordan Stratton) completed the cashers.
For Atochia, a five-year-old Dragon Again gelding co-owned by (trainer) Ronnie Burke, Weaver Bruscemi, JJK and M1 Stables, he returned $6.70 (second choice) for his fifth win in 19 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $21.40, with the triple returning $237.50.
Saturday evening, Yonkers Raceway also participated in the US Trotting Association's "Back to the Track" promotion. The event, with help from the weatherman, made the track apron a bustling place.
Giveaways included Empire Terrace dinners, drivers colours, a USTA-sponsored trip the Little Brown Jug and Jason Bartlett bobble head dolls.
"It's sort of neat having a doll of yourself," was the official statement from the Bartlett, the human. "They did a great job with it, but it's not something I ever thought would happen."
Bartlett, the doll, had no comment at press time.
(Yonkers Raceway)