Yonkers: Keystone Velocity successfully defends George Morton Levy Series title

It took some time for him to get into racing shape, but Keystone Velocity was more than ready and took full advantage, capturing his second consecutive George Morton Levy Series final at Yonkers Raceway on Saturday night. With $532,000 on the line, driver Dan Dube made a quarter move after Western Fame had seated other leavers and turned back limited pressure, scoring a decisive 1:52 victory in the richest harness race of 2018 to date.

Western Fame had the pole position and left alertly, putting Dr J Hanover in a two-hole into the first turn. Rockin Ron (Yannick Gingras) was on the gate and fired out for a few steps from post eight before thinking better of it.

Keystone Velocity and Dube made a blistering move before the quarter to secure the front past the 26 4/5 first marker. From that point, Dube and the 5-2 favorite controlled the half in 56 2/5, with Somewhere In L A first to pull off the second turn. Driver Jason Bartlett pushed hard with Somewhere In L A, and he was able to tow Mach It So and Bit Of A Legend N into the race from second- and third-over.

Keystone Velocity gave Somewhere In L A the cold shoulder, though the two battled hard through a 27 2/5 third quarter. Around the final bend Dube called on the 10-year-old Keystone Velocity, and he responded to draw clear and maintain a length and one-quarter edge to the wire. Somewhere In L A kept fighting, but he couldn't stall the closers, as Bit Of A Legend N stormed home for second ahead of him. Mach It So ducked inside for fourth, with Dr J Hanover earning the final check.

It was only the second win of the season, but obviously the biggest for Keystone Velocity, who is owned by Allard Racing, Singh, Hill Jr. and VIP Internet Stable.

"He needed a start or two to get into shape," said Dube.

"Last year I was nervous heading into this race," said Rene Allard, the winning trainer. "This year it was more enjoyable."

"He doesn't know he's a 10-year-old," added Allard, "He had two years off from racing."

As for his likely next start, Keystone Velocity could be pointed for a Memorial Day Weekend invitational at Harrah's Philadelphia.