by Frank Drucker, Publicity Director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Proving he’s not quite ready to join AARP — that’s the American Association of Retired Pacers — 14-year-old Sakra Fella (Scott Zeron, $66.50) won Yonkers Raceway’s Tuesday (Jan. 19) matinee opener.

Sakra Fella closed from fourth through the lane in the $6,500 opener to whip pace-setting 2-5 favorite Arthur (Matt Kakaley) by three-quarters of a length in 1:58.1.

Tom Berg photo

Sakra Fella, a 14-year-old pacer, won Tuesday at Yonkers for 90-year-old trainer Carl Dobkowski.

Combined with an earlier win at Monticello, the Pacific Fella gelding is now two-for-three this season as the one-horse stable of Dolores and Carl Dobkowski.

Mr. Dobkowski, the trainer since Day One, turns 91 next month.

Sakra Fella had gone winless in limited work (10 starts) over the previous two seasons and has never won more than twice in a year since 2008, when he made 38 starts. As was pointed out by more than one shrewd observer, Sakra Fella’s local race lines predate Yonkers’ “slot era,” beginning with a qualifier in February 2005.

Tuesday’s win was his 20th in his 180th career start ($298,902).