It was downstate statebred rookie initiation Thursday night, with the harness racing meeting at Yonkers Raceway hosting the $153,024 New York Sire Stakes Jim Meagher Pace for 2-year-old colts and geldings.
The event, which honored the memory of the Raceway's long-time corporate controller, went in two divisions of $76,512 each.
The first event saw odds-on number Autotune Hanover (Tyler Buter, $2.80), fresh from his win in the final of the Lawrence B. Sheppard pace here a dozen nights ago, have no issues whatsoever.
Leaving from post position No. 5, he took a brief seats before working past Fine Diamond (George Brennan) right at a :28.2 opening quarter-mile. From there, intervals of :58.2, 1:28 and 1:56.2 gave him a 2¼-length victory of that pocket-sitting foe.
Beaches De Vie (Pat Lachance) rallied for third at 101-1, with Carlos Danger (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Cenovis (Scott Zeron) completing the cashers.
For Autotune Hanover, an Art Major colt co-owned by (trainer) Mark Harder, Peter Paul Venturini, Deena Frost and Rick Phillips, it was his second win in four career starts.
The exacta (two wagering choices) paid $8.30, with the triple returning $203.50.
"It was interesting in the first turn," Butter said.
"Andy (Miller's) colt (Redneck Rally) looked awfully hot and eventually made a break, so I just took my time."
"My horse seems more mature as he goes along, but he didn't have to go nearly as fast as his did (1:54.3) in his last start."
Thursday night's second Meagher grouping had Travel Playlist (Miller, $14.20) have to wait his turn to get the lead, then refuse to relinquish.
In play early from post No. 7, he gave Red Roll (Jason Bartlett) and 9-10 fave Joe Larry N Curly (Morrill Jr.) first cracks at glory.
Travel Playlist made the lead passing the :28.4 opening quarter-mile, then rated a very soft :59.1 intermission.
He then closed the sale with a 1:28.3 three-quarters and eight furlongs in 1:56.1. Joe Larry N Curly dove inside but missed a half-length, with Endeavor (Lachance), Red Roll and Roll with Fred (Brian Sears) grabbing the remainder.
For third choice Travel Playlist, an Art Major colt owned by Ronald Michelin and trained by Erv Miller, he's now 2-for-2 to begin his career.
The exacta paid $56, the triple returned $705 and the superfecta paid $6,168.
The Raceway's live season continues Friday and Saturday nights (post time 7:10 PM).
After that, it's Monday (7:10 PM), Tuesday (1 PM), then Thursday through Saturday (all at 7:10 PM).
Evening simulcasting accompanies all night programs, with afternoon simulcasting available daily.
Frank Drucker