Odds-on Bit of a Legend N paid a price for the lead, then made his opponents pay the price for giving it to him Saturday, August 19, winning Yonkers Raceway’s $55,000 Open Handicap Pace.
In the hunt early from assigned post position No. 6, Bit Of A Legend N took over from 21-1 shot Caviart Luca just after a :26.3 opening quarter-mile, soon slowing the pace to a :55.1 half.
Melmerby Beachand Mach it So pressured from first- and second-over, respectively, as Bit of a Legend N found a 1:24.2 three-quarters.
Widening to a two-and-a-qaurter lengths lead around the final turn, Bit Of A Legend N held Caviart Luca at bay, winning by three-quarters of a length in 1:51.3. Bakersfield and Melmerby Beach hit the line together for third, with Mach it So settling for the final pay envelope.
For Bit of a Legend N, an eight-year-old Down Under son of Bettor’s Delight owned by Harry von Knoblauch Stable and trained by Peter Tritton, it was his fifth win in 17 tries this season.
Prior to the race, Tritton spoke of von Knoblauch, who passed away early this month at age 90. “Harry was a gentleman who enjoyed racing and not afraid to spend money to get good horses. His daughters want to keep the stable going, and I’m fortunate to train for them.”
Yonkers offers up the sixth of eight consecutive Sunday matinees on August 13, with a first post of 12:30 PM.
(With files from Yonkers Raceway)