Sun Aug 26 02:41:33 2007

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Green Day shines in Yonkers Trot as Adrian Chip fails

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Yonkers, NY (Sports Network) - The 53rd edition of the Yonkers Trot was expected to be an easy victory for Hambletonian runner-up Adrian Chip. However, driver Cat Manzi got Green Day out to the lead early as the three- year-old gelding pulled the upset Saturday night.

Adrian Chip, with driver-trainer Robert Bergh, was the 3-5 favorite in the eight horse field. Green Day was the 6-1 third choice with Primary AS the second pick at 7-2. Adrian Chip and Primary AS were the winners of last week's elimination races.

Green Day took the lead at the start and led wire-to wire as he trotted the mile in 1:56 flat. Up Front Larry made a late move to finish second a half- length behind the winner. Adrian Chip, owned by hockey star Peter Forsberg, found himself in traffic problems most of the race, but was still able to finish third.

Completing the order of finish was Anderberg, Primary AS, Quite Easy, Cayenne Turbo and Got That Look.

The $644,770 Yonkers Trot is the second leg of the Trotting Triple Crown. The third leg of the Triple Crown is the Kentucky Futurity which will be contested at The Red Mile on Saturday, October 6.

Hambletonian champ Donato Hanover skipped the Yonkers Trot while being prepared for the upcoming $550,000 World Trotting Derby to be held September 1 at the DuQuoin State Fair in Illinois.

Green Day is owned by Trillium Racing Stable and trained by Jim Raymer. The gelding has now won nine of 24 career starts for more than $600,000. This year the three-year-old has capture eight of 15 races for $550,000. Green Day was a $60,000 supplemental entry for the race. Last week he was second to Primary AS in the second elimination race.

Green Day returned $14.00, $5.70 and $3.40. Up Front Larry paid $6.80 and $4.40, and Adrian Chip paid $2.10 to show.