King Cat Anvil N wins Yonkers feature

A week after going the distance in the high-conditioned ranks, King Cat Anvil N took home Yonkers Raceway Saturday night honors in the $40,000 Open Handicap Pace.

With Jordan Stratton keeping it in the family for trainer David Stratton, the 11-1 proposition--leaving from position No. 6--worked out a second-over trip. He sat quielty as Glass Pack (Eric Abbatiello) had to work for the lead. That one owned the advantage just after a 27-second opening quarter-mile, then a :56.3 intermission and 1:25.3 three-quarters.

Image of Dawn (Pat Lachance) offered a first-up challenge, towing the eventual winner into the fray. Glass Pack--a length-and-a-quarter to the good turning for home--was about ready for a concession speech.

King Cat Anvil N attacked, as did the pocket-sittuing 17-10 favorite Semalu Express (Stephane Bouchard). Third-up came Wholly Louy (Jeff Gregory), but he flattened in the lane. When the dust settled, King Cat Anvil N outgamed the fave by a half-length in 1:54.2. Wholly Louy, Jazzy Jeff (Dan Dube) and Forest Vic A (Steve Smith) completed the cashers, while Glass Pack tired to seventh, beating only Image of Dawn. 

For King Cat Anvil N, a 6-year-old year-old Down Under Christian Cullen gelding owned by John Kiwczak, he paid $24.20 (sixth choice) for his ninth win in 37 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $107, with the triple returning $785.  

Next Saturday night, the Raceway proudly presents the $650,000 Messenger Stakes,  final jewel of the Pacing Triple Crown. World champion Somebeachsomewhere--fastest 3-year-old of all-time and richest pacer of 2008--takes on Adios/little Brown jug/Windy city winner Shadow Play and four other 3-year-old colts.

That card also includes the $381,030 final of the Lady Maud for soph pacing fillies. Elimination winners Artimittateslife and Cheyenne Trish lead a stellar octet. (Yonkers)

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