Yonkers: Speed Man N turns away favorites in Monday's Open Pace

Speed Man N, sent off at 7-1, held sway tenaciously on the front-end to win Monday night's (February 21) $39,000 Open Pace at Yonkers Raceway in 1:52 1/5, giving driver Jason Bartlett one of his five trips to the winner's circle on the program.

Starting from post four, Speed Man N left quickly and cleared Braeview Bondi A, driven by Marcus Miller, for the top spot prior to the 26 4/5 opening quarter. Bartlett then stole well-rated middle-half stations of 56 2/5 and 1:24 2/5, giving his charge the necessary stamina to deal with a first-over Red Right Hand, steered by Scott Zeron, and a second-over Dragon Said, piloted by Joe Bongiorno, in the last quarter.

Red Right Hand, the 2-1 second choice and Dragon Said, the 3-2 favorite, did their best in the lane to try and chase down Speed Man N, but the pace-setter dug in determinedly and hit the finish line a neck ahead of Red Right Hand. Dragon Said, making his first start of 2022, was the third-place finisher.

An 8-year-old New Zealand-bred gelding by Rocknroll Hanover, Speed Man N is trained by Doug Dilloian Jr. for owners Dilloian Stable LLC. and Pit Bull Stable LLC. This was Speed Man N's 25th career victory, and he has now earned $341,605. Speed Man N paid $17.80 to win and led a $64.00 exacta and a $241.00 trifecta.

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Neither the Pick 5 or the Pick 6 were hit on Monday night, and as a result, there will be a $12,840.97 carryover and a $35,000 guaranteed pool in tomorrow night's (February 22) Pick 5. There is also a $3,618.73 carryover in the Pick 6.

The guarantee in the Pick 5 is being offered as part of the United States Trotting Association's Strategic Wagering Program. The Pick 5, which begins in race five, has a takeout rate of 20 percent.

Betting was brisk throughout Monday night's program overall, with handle totaling $907,622.

Tuesday night's 11-race program gets underway at 6:55 p.m.

--press release (Yonkers)--