Yonkers: Anndrovette, repeat winners score in third round of Matchmaker

The rain arrived and the track was turned to slop, but that couldn’t stop two mares from repeat leg victories in the Blue Chip Matchmaker at Yonkers on Friday night. Yagonnakissmeornot, a daughter of The Panderosa, made every call a winning one on her way to a 1:54 3/5 victory. A runner-up in round two to division leader Somwherovrarainbow, the Rene Allard trainee scored for driver Dan Dube. With two wins already in the series, Yagonnakissmeornot is well on her way to earning a spot in the rich final.

Angels Delight, racing for the first time for trainer Ross Croghan, sat third all the way and rallied late for the place spot, with Krispy Apple third after a pocket trip.

Summertime Lea caught the front early and managed to walk to the half in :58 4/5 for driver George Brennan. That allowed the New York-bred daughter of Lislea the advantage she would not cede, as what appeared to be the weaker half of the 1-5 Ron Burke trained entry. Brennan picked up the pace and sprinted back half quarters of :28 2/5 an 28 2/5 to hold the 44-1 shot Fashion Mystery at bay. Ramalama had a pocket trip and was only able to salvage third.

Summertime Lea is two for three on the season with both victories coming in the Blue Chip Matchmaker.

“She can leave the gate very well,” said Brennan of Summertime Lea after the race. “She’s just a four-year-old racing against older ones but I’m happy to have her among the Burke mares.”

After two lackluster performances in the opening legs of the series, Anndrovette regained winning form, overcoming post eight for driver Tim Tetrick in 1:55 3/5 in the final $40,000 division. The seven-year-old found a good spot on the first turn then marched without cover from the half. Odds-on favorite Ideal In Vegas (Jordan Stratton) had control of the racetrack looking for her second straight series victory and marched along uncontested through fractions of :28, :57 4/5 and 1:26 1/5. For Tetrick and Anndrovette, the pocket opened up before the three quarters and the pair ducked inside waiting for the passing lane in the stretch. That proved the difference, as the now $2.6 million winner gamely overtook the favorite in the late stages. Royal Cee Cee N finished third.

“It usually takes her a few starts,” said Tetrick about Anndrovette finally getting on track. “We got a little lucky down the backstretch and the other mare got tired.”

Anndrovette, is trained by P J Fraley for owners Bamond Racing LLC and Joseph Davino.