Hop Sing wins first-ever at Yonkers

It took Hop Sing 100 career starts--not to mention nearly $900,000 in career earnings--to get his first-ever picture taken at Yonkers Raceway, and he did so Saturday night, gutting it out as the odds-on fasvorite in the $30,000 Open Handicap Pace.

With Eric Goodell driving for Team Annunziata--owner Richard and trainer Ettore--the 6-year-old The Panderosa gelding left the high-end claimers across the river for his first local since St. Patrick's Night. That evening, in his only previous Westchester work night, he finished sixth in an Open 'Cap Pace, albeit one which went in 1:51.2.

Back for the final feature event of 2007, and armed with a generous post position four starting venue, Hop Sign sat early. Scapa N (Pat Berry) made the lead before the 28-second opening quarte, with Cheyenne Ryan (Pat :Lachance) pocketed and Doggone Incredible (Greg Grismore) away third.

Hop Sing edged from fourth, working his way to the lead before the :57.1 intermisson. King Cat Anvil N (Jordan Stratton), he with three feature wins in his last five tries, chased first-over. Hop Sing threw out a :27.4 third quarter, taking a length-and-a-quarter lead into the lane.

While Hop Sing may not be the talent of season's past, he showed his class here. The people's choice outgamed a ducking-in King Cat Anvil N by a neck in 1:53.1, with Psilvuheartbreaker (Jim Meittinis) third, beaten a half-length. Cheyenne Ryan and Doggone Incredible completed the cashers.

For Hop Sing, it was just his second win a dozen '07 tries ($58,730), but the career cash went past $908,000. He returned $3.70, leading a $16.40 exacta and $49.60 triple. (Yonkers)               

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