Digital Z Tam wins at Yonkers

Digital Z Tam took full advantage of his assigned pole position on Saturday night, going the distance to annex Yonkers Raceway's $31,000 Open Handicap pace.

With trainer Pat Lachance doing the honors, Digital Z Tam -- fresh from a life-best, 1:51.4 effort across the river a week ago -- set sail through fractions of :27.2, :56.2 and 1:25.

Johnny Walker (Jason Bartlett) was perched in the pocket, while Psilvuheartbreaker (Jim Meittinis) was first-up. Tasmanian Daniel (Larry Stalbaum), he of the three wins in his last four starts, was caught wide leaving from his outside starting venue.

"Daniel" settled in sixth before grabbing a second-over trip behind "Heartbreaker," but Digital Z Tam owned a 1-1/4 length lead into the lane.

He held the cavalry at bay, whipping Johnny Walker by a half-length, in 1:54.1. Psilvuheartbreaker -- photoed for second after a solid effort -- Tasmanian Daniel and a locked-in-again 2-1 choice, J P Jackpot (Pat Berry), completed the cashers. Horses one through six (Up Front Peyton) were separated by just two lengths at the wire.

For Digital Z Tam, a 5-year-old Cambest gelding owned by MJGB Racing, he returned $8.30 and the second choice for his second consecutiive win in five season’s starts. The Exacta, comprised of the two inside assignees, paid $27.80, with the Triple returning $210.00.

Though Bartlett didn't win the feature, he did get his picture taken five times during the 11-race card, including thrice in series action (see below).

Saturday night also offered round one of the Hopeful Pacing Series for 3-year-old colts and geldings, and the winners were (shameless Oscars rip-off):.

• In a dead heat, Lifesong (by Life Sign); co-owners Judy Magie and Pine Creek Stables/trainer Brian Magie/driver Stalbaum; 1:57.1/$2.10; and Fox Valley Lector, g (by Richess Hanover): owner G&B Stable of Illinois/trainer Jeff Smith/driver Bartlett; 1:57.1/$4.10;
• Livitluvitdreamit (by Cam's Card Shark); co-owners Wellwood Stable,Sadlon, Niit, Stake Your Claim Stable/trainer Linda Toscano/driver Bartlett; (life-best) 1:59.1/$3.20;
• Outa My Head (by Bettor's Delight); co-owners (trainer Paul) Kelley Racing, Higgins, Donovan/driver Jordan Stratton; (life-best) 1:58/$6.50;
• Stand By Cam, g (by Cammibest); owner-trainer Eli Scott Jr./driver Bartlett; (life-best) 1:57.4/$3.40; and
• Sir Sisu (by McArdle); owner Mortberg Trust/trainer Donna Marshall/driver Jim Pantaleano; 1:59.1/$21.80. (Yonkers)