Metro to Yankee Skyscaper

Shortly after steering Appleoosa Hanover to a shocking 22-1 victory in the $754,500 She’s A Great Lady Stakes, 29-year-old Jody Jamieson came back with an ever bigger score in the $1 million Metro Pace with another outsider, Yankee Skyscaper, at 8-1, Saturday evening at Mohawk Racetrack.

On a tremendously windy and wet evening, Yankee Skyscaper collared Honky Tonk Hanover in mid-stretch, then held off a closing Laughing Art by one length in l:54.3, to take the richest race on the continent for two-year-old colt pacers. Honky Tonk Hanover faded to third, four and one-half lengths behind the winner.

“It’s unbelievable… the She’s A Great Lady and the Metro. That’s a lot of money tonight,” said an over-the-moon Jamieson. “This horse was awesome tonight. I knew if I got him set up close to the front, he’d fire home. And he did, he was absolutely awesome.”

Trained by Chris Ryder, who conditioned last year’s Metro Pace runner-up, Palone Ranger, Yankee Skyscaper, a son of Artiscape, had finished second to Mr Apples in one of last week’s elims, with John Campbell up.

However, for the final, Campbell, seeking a record fifth Metro, opted to drive Artzina, the other elim winner.

Mr Apples, the 6-5 post-time choice with Ron Pierce, and Artzina, the 2-1 second favourite, first hooked up before the half mile, as Artzina rushed up to take command in 57 seconds flat. Mr Apples remained in the pocket until the far turn, when the action started to heat up.

First, Honky Tonk Hanover and driver Jack Moiseyev motored up to take charge from Artzina (who eventually finished fourth), as the three-quarters was reached in 1:26.2 and looked to be on his way to the winner’s circle.

But Jamieson was able to rally his colt for the victory, his third in six starts, as he set sail down the stretch.

“[Driver] Jack [Moiseyev] turned on the afterburners and this horse started to hook the right line, like he did last week,” explained Jamieson. “But I just kind of shook him off and hoped he’d stay pacing and he did. He really dug in.”

“I’m really delighted,” added Ryder. “We really liked this horse all along. We’ve been in quite a few million dollar races and haven’t been able to win them, so we’re really thrilled to break the ice. That horse raced like a closer tonight and that’s what he’s done so far in his few races.

“We got away about eighth, I believe, then he goes a tremendous second-over trip. I got a little concerned at the three-quarter pole. Just before the head of the stretch, he was not keeping up to his cover, but halfway down the stretch, we really didn’t have too much to worry about.”

No worries indeed, as Yankee Skyscaper hauled down $500,000 for the win, after coming into the final with only $26,400 on his card.

“Mr Apples got a dream trip,” said Pierce, about the favourite, who finished sixth. “I was really happy with the way he scored down, and during the race he felt really good until the three-quarters pole, and then he just weakened. He was good and straight on the lines, but just didn’t have any pace.” (WEG)

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