Yonkers: Highest nighttime handle in over ten years achieved on Monday's card

Yonkers Raceway's ten-race program on Monday night (May 3) was lively from start to finish on the wagering front, and when the dust settled, the handle checked in at a new high for 2021 of $1,254,745. That total also represents the most wagered on a nighttime card at Yonkers since April 28, 2012, when $1.33 million was bet on a 12-race program, meaning tonight's average of $125,474 bettered that as well.

As far as on-track action on Monday night, Raukapuka Ruler N gave Jordan Stratton one of his four winners on the card and was the third of three victors for trainer Peter Tritton, as the 8-year-old Kiwi import took the $37,000 Open Pace in 1:52 4/5. Starting from post five, Raukapuka Ruler N went to the top, chopped out fractions of 26 4/5, 56 1/5, and 1:24 3/5, and closed in 28 1/5 to defeat a first-over Speed Man N (Scott Zeron) by a length and a half. The Real One (Pat Lachance followed from second-over and wound up third.

A gelded son of Bettor's Delight, Raukapuka Ruler N is owned by Tritton 2 Inc. This was Raukapuka Ruler N's 17th career victory, and he has now earned $340,180. He paid $6.60 to win as the 2-1 second choice and was atop a $32.20 exacta and a $138.50 trifecta.

There was also a $30,000 Preferred Pace on the card, and it went to Ostro Hanover, driven by Tyler Buter for trainer Daniel Renaud, in 1:53 flat. Ostro Hanover also won in gate-to-wire fashion, as he darted through from the pole position and clicked off panels of 27 2/5, 56 4/5, and 1:24 3/5. A host of pursuers tried to catch Ostro Hanover in the lane, but it was to no avail, as he responded when called upon by Buter and prevailed by one length over pocket-sitter Ehrmantraut (Zeron). Herrickroosevelt N (Stratton) hung on gamely to third after doing the first-over work.

Ostro Hanover is a 6-year-old gelding by Betterthancheddar and is owned by B & I Stables LLC., Kapildeo Singh, and VIP Internet Stable LLC. Ostro Hanover is now a 21-time winner in his life, and he has pocketed $435,741. He was the even-money favorite and returned $4.00 to win. The exacta kicked back $23.20, and the trifecta was worth $89.00.

Racing resumes at Yonkers on Tuesday night (May 4) with a post time of 7:15 p.m.

--press release (Yonkers)--