American Lane establishes new Yonkers track record

Returning from a late-spring break, Yonkers Raceway offered up Saturday night's trio of $30,000 Open Handicaps, with a new track record to show for it. American Lane (Jeff Gregory, four winners on the 11-race card), the odds-on favorite, held off No More Gold N (Greg Grimosre) in the weekly featured trot, prevailing in 1:55.1. That effort was a tick faster than the mare Victor's Vicky's performance Apr. 25, and also established a new number for aged geldings (Impeccable Image's 1:55.4 had lasted more than a dozen seasons).

Leaving from post position No. 4, American Lane--in his first local try since last November--led through fractions of :28.2, :58.1 and 1:26.4, taking a length-and-a-quarter lead into the lane. No More Gold N, who dove into an early pocket, was the only one of the five rivals within shouting distance, but missed a head.

I'm a Sakra (Jason Bartlett), defending champ Armbro Barrister (Ray Schnittker) and Grecale AS (Jim Meittinis) completed the cashers. Unser Diamant (Jordan Stratton) was outrun.

For American Lane, a 6-year-old Primrose Lane gelding trained by Carl Cito Jr. for co-owners David Scharf & Jerry Silva, he returned $3 for his sixth win in 17 seasonal starts. The exacta (two faves) paid $5.80, with the triple paying $28.

The co-owner/trainer/driver team struck again when favored Benear won the distaff derby.

Assigned post No. 5,  she two-moved up and over the pace-setting Miss Galvinator A (Jim Marohn), taking a three-length lead into the lane. Benear won by 1 3/4 lengths in 1:53.3. Miss Galvinator A held second, with Whambam N (Jack Baggitt Jr.), Sister Kae (Jim Pantaleano) and Omen Hanover (Eric Abbatiello) rounding out the payees.

For Benear, a 5-year-old daughter of Badlands Hanover, she returned $5.90 for her fourth win in 16 '08 tries. The exacta (two choices) paid  $12, with the triple worth $55.50.

Getting Real (Greg Merton) was able to get off the seasonal schneid, holding off even-money fave King Cat Anvil N (Stratton) in the Open Handicap Pace.

Leaving from post No. 2, Getting Real was away third before engaging King Cat Anvil N through a protracted battle from the (:57.3) intermission. Getting Real was able to get the lead before the 1:24.2 three-quarters, owning a length-and-a-quarter advantage turning into the stretch.

He then held King Cat Anvil N at bay, winning by three-quarters of a length in 1:52.3. Cam's Fool (Gregory), Royal Man (Stephane Bouchard) and Secluded Island (Meittinis) also earned pay envelopes.

For Getting Real, a 6-year-old Riyadh gelding trained by Noel Daley for co-owners Adam Victor & Son and Sidney Korn, he paid $14.60 for his first win in five seasonal starts. He led a $52 exacta and $253.50 triple. (Yonkers)

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