Tasmanian Daniel wins at Yonkers

Even though the public couldn't get enough of the Saturday night invader, it was proven local talent winning Yonkers Raceway's $31,000 Open Handicap pace.

Tasmanian Daniel (Larry Stalbaum) went the distance from post position six, holding sway through intervals of :28.1, :57.4, 1:25.1, and 1:53.1.

Sent postward as the 11-1 fifth choice, he stepped around J P Jackpot (Stephane Boichard), with Noble's Grand Slam (Greg Grismore) settling third. Thisbigdogwilfight (Ryan Anderson), making his local debut, earned all the wagering adulation. Unfortunately, those who took him at 75-cents-on-the-dollar did not get much fight.

The favorite, assigned inside his seven rivals, tried it first-up from fourth. However, he never came close to the leader and faded to fifth.

"Daniel" held off Noble's Grand Slam by a neck -- in the fastest local '09 mile to date -- the second consecutive week the pair finished 1-2 in the pacing feature. J P Jackpot, Up Front Peyton (Brent Holland) and the beaten choice completed the cashers.

For Tasmanian Daniel, a 7-year-old Keystone Raider gelding owned and trained by Kimberly Asher, he paid $25 for his second win in four season’s starts. The Exacta returned $224.00, with the Triple paying $806.00.

"Daniel" has won his last three Westchester efforts. He has six wins and three thirds in nine local tries.

Yonkers continues its five-night-per-week live harness schedule, each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday -- all at 7:40 p.m. -- and Saturday at -- 6:50 p.m., eastern. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the New York Racing Association schedule. (Yonkers)