Yonkers: Downbytheseaside delivers in Rooney elimination

Downbytheseaside found a lot more early activity than one might have expected but didn't disappoint as the odds-on favorite to capture the lone $40,000 Art Rooney elimination at Yonkers on Saturday. The 1-2 choice was on the move by the quarter and didn't clear until the half but still prevailed rather easily in a 1:52 2/5 mile, with Miso Fast second and Stealth Bomber third.

Summer Side and Stealth Bomber left alertly in tandem, with the former getting instant control on the turn and the latter tucking. Brett Miller behind Stealth Bomber was not content sitting second and moved to the top at the quarter. It was that move that began a spirited outer flow past the 28 1/5 opening quarter. Funknwaffles and Brian Sears hit the gas quickly and moved with purpose to control off the second turn, only yield to the winner shortly before the 55 4/5 opening half.

The pace remained controlled until Stealth Bomber pulled again on the backstretch to challenge, stalked by Miso Fast, as that pair attempted to make ground on the leader through a 1:24 3/5 three-quarters. On the final turn Funknwaffles weakened some, allowing Stealth Bomber to regain the pocket. Miso Fast picked up his action into the stretch and was able to wear down Stealth Bomber late for the place, about a length and a quarter off the winner. Early pace-setter Summer Side finished fourth. With nine horses in the field, only Heavens Gait didn't qualify as he broke stride on the final turn.

Downbytheseaside, trained by Brian Brown, won for the second time in 2017 in as many starts and is the logical choice for next Saturday's $300,000 Art Rooney Final. Country Club Acres, Joe Sbrocco, Richard Lombardo and Diamond Creek Racing own the son of Somebeachsomewhere.

It was reported that driver Dave Miller was concerned that the winner may have been "running in on the turns."