Yonkers: This Is The Plan rallies off cover to Invitational victory

This Is The Plan wound up with a second-over trip from the outside post and capitalized to win the $125,000 Invitational race for MGM Borgata Series eligibles on Saturday night at Yonkers Raceway. This Is The Plan halted the clock in the event for older pacing males in 1:52 flat.

Ostro Hanover (Tyler Buter) started from the pole position and used it to full advantage, dashing through and lining up his rivals behind him prior to the 26 3/5 opening quarter. Australian import San Domino (Jordan Stratton) got away in the pocket, followed by post six leaver Tookadiveoffdipper (Matt Kakaley) and This Is The Plan (George Brennan).

Brennan had This Is The Plan out and on the move when Ostro Hanover tripped the half-mile station in 55 1/5, but he would end up latching on to cover after Stratton launched an attack on the third turn with San Domino. Ostro Hanover was game, though, keeping San Domino at bay to the 1:23 three-quarters and around the final bend, where Brennan sent This Is The Plan three-wide.

In the stretch Ostro Hanover got rid of San Domino once and for all and set sail for the wire, but This Is The Plan was finishing strongly to the leader's outside, and This Is The Plan got up before the wire to win by around a half a length. Ostro Hanover was a strong second, followed by Tookadiveoffdipper, New Zealand-bred Raukapuka Ruler (Tim Tetrick), and San Domino.

Ron Burke trains This Is The Plan, a 5-year-old gelding by Somebeachsomewhere, for owners Burke Racing Stable LLC., Weaver Bruscemi LLC., J&T Silva- Purnel & Libby, and Larry Karr. This Is The Plan scored his 14th career victory, and he has now earned $1,749,700. The 9-5 favorite, he paid $5.60 to win.