by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Freakishly-formful favorite Carolsideal (Dan Dube, $5.80) continued her roll Friday night (Feb. 27), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $35,000 featured Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace.

Sean Hamrock photo

Dan Dube piloted Carolsideal to a 1:55 win.

Assigned outside her seven rivals, Carolsideal tried to leave, but others inside of her had the same idea. It was Handsoffmycookie (Matt Kakaley) working around Coffee Addict (Eric Goodell) and laying down the law through early intervals of :27.4 and :57.4.

Carolsideal, meanwhile, had been taken to the back of the bus.

It was Marathon Day (Eric Carlson) moving from fifth, going after the leader in and out of the 1:26.2 three-quarters. Camille (George Brennan) was gapped a bit from second-over, while Carolsideal was behind that one.

Handsoffmycookie owned a 1-1/4 length lead into the lane, but was about to give up the ghost. A determined Marathon Day went by, but she was powerless to stave off Carolsideal. The people’s preference powered by from sixth off the final turn, whipping Marathon Day by a half-length in 1:55. Camille, Handsoffmycookie and Coffee Addict rounded out the payees.

For Carolsideal, a 6-year-old daughter of Western Ideal trained by Rene Allard for co-owners himself (as Allard Racing), Yves Sarazin and Kapildeo Singh, it was her fifth win in as many seasonal starts (and purchase/barn change). The exacta paid $48.60, with the triple returning $355.50.

The Raceway’s live season continues Saturday night (post time 7:10 p.m.). After that, it’s Monday (7:10 p.m.), Tuesday (1 p.m.), then Thursday through Saturday (all at 7:10 p.m.) and Sunday, March 8 (post time TBA). Evening simulcasting accompanies all night programs, with afternoon simulcasting available daily (all provided Mother Nature cooperates).