Victor's Vicky sets 1:55.2 track mark in Open Handicap

Victor's Vicky not only beat the boys into submission Friday night, she beat 'em into the record book, trotting the fastest mile in Yonkers Raceway history.

The 5-year-old mare won the $30,000 Open Handicap in 1:55.2, knocking one-fifth of a second off Stacelita's (another lass) previous standard, which had stood since last Sept. 7.  It was also a lifetime-best effort for Miss Vicky.

With Jordan Stratton driving for trainer Richard Johnson, "Vicky"-- a daughter of Valley Victor--sat pocketed to Armbro Barrister (Stephane Bouchard), then rolled up the passing lane to win going away by three lengths.

Leaving from the pylons as the tepid 2-1 favorite, Victor's Vicky watched Armbro Barrister hang Tell Me a Story (Jim Pantaleano) through a :28.1 opening stanza and :57.2 intermission. Longshot Nahcotta Jude (Jim Marohn) went wide around Tell Me a Story, but Armbro Barrister maintained his advantage at the zippy 1:26.2 three-quarters.

"Vicky," a fast-closing second to Tell Me a Story in last week's featured trot, was prepared for her close-up this time around. She blew by "Barrister," then blew into the winner's circle.

No More Gold N (Greg Grismore) was a credible third after leaving for a seat, while Kaline (Steve Smith) and Nahcotta Jude grabbed the minor morsels.

Victor's Vicky, owned by Fabulous Farms, paid $6.30 for her third victory in six '08 efforts. The exacta returned $24.60, with the triple good for $119.

"She's a perfect horse to drive and Mr. Johnson has done an unbelievable job with her," Stratton said. "I knew Stephane was going to leave and I figured some others from the outside would try it, too, so I wanted to push (Armbro Barrister) a bit before letting him go.

"I'm just the co-pilot, but it's going to be nice to get my name in the track records."

Friday night's $30,000 co-featured Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace saw JK Pure Pearl continue her fine form.

 With Bouchard catch-driving for trainer Linda Toscano, JK Pure Pearl worked to get around Cruzin Foralivin N (Grismore) after a :27.3 opening quarter mile. She led through a :57.2 intermission and 1:26.1 three quarters, with Brickyard Trouble (Ray Baynes) first-over.

 JK Pure Pearl owned a 1 1/2-length lead into the lane before winning by a 1 1/4 lengths in a life-best 1:54.2. "Cruzin" chased home the  winner, with Best Chance Hanna (Pat Lachance) third as the 7-5 choice. Brickyard Trouble and Double Dream N (Pantaleano) completed the cashers.

 For JK Pure Pearl, a 4-year-old daughter of Bettor's Delight co-owned by William Jacobowitz, Camelot Stable and 3 Brothers Stablse, returned $14.60 (fourth choice) for her seventh win in 11 seasonal starts.  She led a $52.50 exacta, $207.50 triple and $582 superfecta. (Yonkers Raceway)

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