Orillia Joe kept the form spree going Saturday, Jan. 27, winning Yonkers Raceway’s $40,000 Open Handicap Pace.
In play from post position No. 7, Orillia Joe had a first-turn impediment when Delaware-invader Cajon Lightning made a filthy, forcing Orillia Joe wide, making the lead before a :27.3 opening quarter-mile.
Pole-assigned Western Hill secured the pocket, while 3-2 choice Gokudo Hanover found a seat third. A rated :57.1 intermission before ‘Gokudo’ was out first-up, and a 1:25.3 three-quarters, Orillia Joe owned a length lead into the lane.
The closers arrived, but too late. Orillia Joe whipped Take it Back Terry by a neck in 1:54.2. Dream Out Loud N, at 40-1, angled off the cones for a crisp third, while Killer Martini and Western Hill settled for the minors
For fourth choice Orillia Joe, an eight-year-old Western Ideal gelding by Joe P Racing and trained by Matias Ruiz, it was his third win in as many starts this season. Driven by Brent Holland, he paid $17.80 to win.
Sunday’s, Jan. 28, ‘French’ matinee goes with a first post of noon. The 10-race card features six ‘French’ trots (races 5 through 10) and the ‘New York, New York Double’ (Aqueduct’s 3rd race, Yonkers’ 6th race).
(With files from Yonkers Raceway)