He may be a punk, but he's a winning punk

Classy veteran--and public choice--Punk Man lasted on the lead in Friday night's $19,000 featured high-conditioned trot at Yonkers Raceway.

With Jim Meittinis doing the honors for trainer Paul Wojtowicz, Punk Man was on the move early from post position two. He stepped around pole-sitter Roman Holiday (Stephane Bouchard, four winners on the 12-race card), securing the lead before a :28.4 opening quarter mile. Longshot Calchip's Muscle (Greg Grismore) dove into the pocket, with Roman Holiday third and Lemon Pepper (Eric Abbatiello) away fourth.

Punk Man rated a pedestrian 31-second second quarter before Lemon Pepper tired it first-up. The leader remained the leader through a 1:28.2 three-quarters, taking a length-and-three-quarter advantage into the lane.

Punk Man tired, but found the wire first in 1:59, a half-length better than Lemon Pepper. Roman Holiday held the bottom of the ticket, with Getthemoney (Bruce Aldrich Jr.) and Night's Jazz (Jeff Gregory) grabbing the leftovers.

Punk Man, an 8-year-old Malabar Man gelding owned bt Marvin Meyer, paid $5.20. leading a $15.60 exacta and $35.20 triple. His career earnings are just under $340,000. (Yonkers)

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