He\'s the king cat at Yonkers

King Cat Anvil N, who entered Saturday night\'s $30,000 Open Handicap Pace at Yonkers Raceway two noses and one eight hole away from what may have been a five-race winning streak, wasn\'t about to let a first-over trip stand in his way.

The father-son, trainer-driver tandem of David and Jordan Stratton--along with owner John Kiwczak--have seen the 5-year-old Down Under Christian Cullen gelding enjoy a career season.

Saturday night, the 5-2 second choice from post position four took all the air as 24-1 rank outsider Cheyenne Hollywood (Jack Baggitt Jr.) led through  fractions of :27.2, :57.2 and 1:25.4.

Seemingly stalled around the final turn--even special guest Santa was concerned--King Cat Anvil N was resurgent, getting up by a half-length in 1:53.4. Mr. PBN (Eric Abbatiello) found room late to grab second, with Forest Vic A (Steve Smith) third after tracking the winner. Cheyenne Hollywood and tepid 2-1 favorite Image of Dawn (Pat Lachance) made the last round of Christmas cash.

For King Cat Anvil N, it was his ninth win 41 seasonal starts (single season-best $177,910). He led a $69 exacta and $440 triple. (Yonkers)