May 30, 2023, from MGM Yonkers Raceway
Yonkers, NY — Semi Tough’s 10-1 upset in the $36,000 Open Handicap Pace was among a number of long shot victories on Monday night (May 29) at MGM Yonkers Raceway.
Driver Joe Bongiorno engineered the win, sending Semi Tough down the road through fractions of :27.1, :55.4 and 1:23.3 before holding off pocket sitter Oakwoodnitownit IR (Matt Kakaley) by a neck in 1:52.1. Leonidas A (Austin Siegelman) rallied from second-over to get third.
Ron Burke trains Semi Tough, a 7-year-old Somebeachsomewhere gelding, for owners Burke Racing Stable LLC, Frank Baldachino, J&T Silva-Purnel & Libby and Weaver Bruscemi LLC. Semi Tough picked up his 29th career victory, sent his earnings to $1,061,940, and paid $22.40 to win. The exacta was worth $95.50 and the trifecta returned $251.00.
Additional surprises by Pinebush Lifesaver (14-1) and War Dan Delight N (27-1) led to the Pick-5 not being hit. As a result, on Tuesday night’s (May 30) program, there will be an $11,089.71 carryover and a $25,000 guaranteed pool in the sequence. The guarantee in the Pick-5 is offered as part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program. Continue on USTA