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

Yonkers, NY — It was moderately moist as Yonkers Raceway welcomed February Friday night, but the rank and file managed to scuba-suit their way through the deluge.

Tasty Max was more than happy with class and post relief, and showed it by easily winning the $19,000 featured high-end trot.

With Greg Grismore driving for trainer Joe King, Tasty Max — the 6-5 favorite from the pole — retook from longshot leaver Keystone Torch (Jason Bartlett). He then led through fractions of :29.4, 1:00 and 1:29.1.

Hez Striking (Jeff Gregory) tried it first-over from fifth, taking up the chase as Keystone Torch was extinguishing himself. However, “Max” was too tough, widening a two length lead into tbe lane to 3-3/4 lengths at the wire in 1:58.2. Hez Striking was second, with 36-1 rank outsider Marina Grace (Jim Marohn), Keystone Torch and Calchip’s Muscle (Pat Lachance) earning the small change.

For Tasty Max, a 5-year-old Donerail gelding owned by Marvin Meyer, it was his first win in four ’08 tries. He put together a career best $144,000-plus season in 2007. This night, he returned $4.50, with the exacta paying $13 (two favorites) and the triple worth $97.

Friday night also began Yonkers’ 2008 stakes schedule, with the opening round of the Hopeful Pacing Series for 3-year-old fillies.

The pair of $10,000 events went to:

• Evaji Hanover (by Dragon Again); owner Ronald Viola/trainer Peter Walsh/driver Gregory; 1:59.3/$5;
• Notimefordreaming (by Dream Away); owner Skull N Roses Stable/trainer John Gerow/driver Ron Cushing; (parimutuel life-best) 1:58.3/$11.80.

The opening round of the Hopeful colt and gelding division goes Saturday night with four $10,000 divisions.

Each gender’s series has three preliminary legs leading to a $40,000 (est.) final in late February.

Yonkers offers a four night per week live harness schedule through February, with first post every Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 7:40 p.m. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting around the NYRA schedule.