BY FRANK
DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway
YONKERS, NY, Sunday, March 15, 2015—It
just isn’t a fair fight.
Not even an assigned 12-hole (“11-hole”
after a second-tier scratch) and taking a whole lot of Sunday afternoon cold,
windy Westchester air could deter favored Not Afraid (Dan Dube, $4.80) from
winning Yonkers Raceway’s $55,000 Open Handicap Trot.
Out a long way and just minding his
business through any number of lead changes, Not Afraid eventually went after
DW’s NY Yank (George Brennan) in and out of the final turn. The two wagering
choices, plus 53-1 longshot Dancehall Mistress (Mark MacDonald), left the rest
behind.
However, Not Afraid is too tough,
winning the mile-and-quarter Ides of March feature by a neck in 2:28. Dancehall
Mistress dove inside and snapped second, with “DW,” Murmur Hanover (Pat
Lachance) and Brando’s Muscle Man completing the cashers.
For
Not Afraid, a 6-year-old S J's Caviar gelding trained by Jimmy Takter for
co-owners his wife, Christina, John Fielding and Goran Andeberg, he's 6-for-8
this season, having won his last four starts. The exacta paid $153.50, with the
triple returning $791.
Special Sunday
props to Brian Sears, who drove four winners during the dozen-race card.
Stakes/series
action continues next week. Monday, it’s the second round of the
Petticoat Pacing Series. Tuesday, the second round of the Sagamore Hill Pacing
Series. Friday, the opening round of the Blue Chip Matchmaker and Saturday,
opening round of the George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series.
The Raceway’s live season continues Monday (7:10 PM), with a $10,000 guaranteed
pool Pick 5 (50-cent base wager, races 7 through 11). After that, it’s Tuesday
(1 PM), then Thursday through Saturday (all at 7:10 PM). There are no
Sunday matinees scheduled until November. Evening simulcasting accompanies all
night programs, with afternoon simulcasting available.
