$55,000 open trot to Takter trainee

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 harness racing 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.

Frank Drucker