After picking up three stakes wins on Hambletonian Day at Meadowlands Racetrack, trainer Ron Burke enjoyed a little overnight success at Yonkers Raceway. Atochia (Yannick Gingras) was second-over and first home Saturday night, winning the $42,500 Open Handicap Pace
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Assigned penultimate post position No. 6, Atochia towed in behind Gidddy Up Lucky (Eric Goodell) as they chased 17-10 choice Psilvuheartbreaker (Cat Manzi).
That one stepped around pylon-sitter Forensic Z Tam (Pat Lachance) and led through intervals of :27.1, :56.2 and 1:24.1. However, after taking a length-and-a-quarter lead into the lead, "Heartbreaker" tired. Atochia was a neck better than Forensic Z Tam in 1:52.3, with Giddy Up Lucky, Psilvuheartbreaker and Arduous (Jim Pantaleano) completing the cashers.
For Atochia, a four-year-old Dragon Again gelding co-owned by (trainer) Ronnie Burke, Weaver Bruscemi, JJK & M1 Stables, he returned $5.60 (second choice) for his fourth win in 18 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $62.50, with the triple returning $336.
Earlier today, Buck I St Pat won the Perretti Farms Matchmaker, Won The West took a division of the U.S. Pacing Championship and On The Glass prevailed in the Lady Liberty for Burke and company. For full recaps of today's action at the Big M, click here.
(With files from Yonkers Raceway)