Yonkers: Bamonds get a pair of Blue Chip Matchmaker wins

Venus Delight captured the first of three divisions of the Blue Chip Matchmaker series at Yonkers Raceway on Friday evening in 1:55 1/5 despite a first-over trip.

Charisma Hanover set the fractions of 27 4/5, 57 1/5 and 1:25 2/5 while under pressure from only the elements as the snow was in full effect during the mile. Venus Delight came to the rim on the third turn with driver Jason Bartlett and simply wore the leader down. Coffee Addict finished third ahead of even money favorite Yagonnakissmeornot.

Venus Delight ($6.10) is trained by Jeffrey Bamond, Jr. for owner Bamond Racing LLC. The victory came in her 2015 debut.

The second six-horse preliminary leg saw Carolsideal and driver Dan Dube take full advantage of her inside post and set very soft fractions of 29 3/5, 59 1/5 and 1:28 ahead of a pocket-sitting Camille. Four-time Older Pacing Mare of the Year Anndrovette made a brief bid on the final turn, but the slow pace took its toll on her as Carolsideal sprinted clear with a 27 4/5 final quarter to win easily as the 2/5 favorite.

Camille held for second over Anndrovette.

Carolsideal won for the sixth time in seven starts this year for owners Allard Racing, Yves Sarrazin and Kapildeo Singh. Rene Allard trains the 6-year-old mare.

The finale for the Matchmaker series saw Krispy Apple bide her time and scoot up the cones for the victory in 1:55 2/5.

All four horses were spread across the track around the first turn before Medusa eventually wrestled the lead from Monkey On My Wheel nearing the quarter in 28 2/5. Those two continued along in single file past the half in 58 seconds. Approaching the third call in 1:26 4/5, Krispy Apple came to the rim and began to gain ground. Driver Tim Tetrick would eventually head back to the cones with Krispy Apple as Monkey On My Wheel elected to pull on the final turn.

Three of the quartet were all in with a chance but Krispy Apple had the freshest legs, besting Medusa and Monkey On My Wheel to win at 3/2.

The victory by Krispy Apple completed a Matchmaker double for trainer Bamond, Jr. The 7-year-old mare is owned by Bamond Racing and Joseph Davino.