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

Yonkers, NY — Favored Carolsideal (Dan Dube, $5.40) offered up some first-over fisticuffs Friday night (Jan. 30), handily winning Yonkers Raceway’s $35,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace.

Mike Lizzi photo

Carolsideal was a 1:55.2 winner for Dan Dube.

Sitting chilly (literally and figuratively early from post position No. 5, Carolsideal saw Robin Cruiser (Jordan Stratton) step over Palm Patrol (Mark MacDonald) before a :28.3 opening quarter-mile. After a wind-compromised :59.1 intermission, Carolsideal moved from fourth and did so with purpose.

She busted the race wide open before the 1:26.3 three-quarters, opening up 6-1/2 lengths entering the lane. The final margin was six lengths in 1:55.2.

Palm Patrol, stuck behind a tiring leader, won the “other” race for second, with last week’s victress, Set Me Up (George Brennan), Spirit Of Desire (Jason Bartlett) and Robin Cruiser earning the smaller pay envelopes.

Note that scheduled outside assignee Voelz Hanover was a judges’ scratch for a second time this month as the millionaire has still not made her 2015 pari-mutuel debut.

For Carolsideal, a 6-year-old daughter of Western Ideal trained by Shawn Christner for co-owners Allard Racing, Yves Sarazin and Kapildeo Singh, it was her third win (each in same time) in as many seasonal starts (and purchase/barn change). The exacta paid $24, with the triple returning $128.50.

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.). Note the next Sunday matinee is Feb. 22 (post time TBA). Evening simulcasting accompanies all night programs, with afternoon simulcasting available daily (all provided Mother Nature co-operates).