Propelled by a four-win performance yesterday afternoon, Dan Dube coasted home to victory in the second annual Harrah's Chester Drivers' Challenge.
After an eighth-place finish with CC Make A Buck in the first leg of the Challenge, Dube scored back-to-back wins with Glors Boys (1:51.1) and Fulla Fire (1:53) to quickly overtake Yannick Gingras for the early lead.
Although a victory in the eighth race aboard Landfairsfirstmach (1:50.4) sealed the victory for Dube, it was his choice of Keva Key (1:51.2) in the sixth race that put him in prime position to win.
"He was scratched the week before, and I called Ron (Burke) to see what happened," Dube said. "He said I could race him, and that he'd be all right."
Dube quickly gained control with Keva Key, responding to a late charge from Western Delight (Tim Tetrick).
"I got a good trip and some racing luck today; it's what I needed."
Yannick Gingras won with Fifth Wave (1:51.3) and Object of Art (1:50.2) to earn second, and Tim Tetrick took third honours, winning with Brets New Journey (1:51.4) and Yes Hanover (1:51.3).
In addition to taking home the $15,000 winner's share, Dube's drives earned $2,209.62 for Operation Warm, an organization dedicated to providing children nationwide with warm winter coats.
All told, the drivers earned $8,360 for Operation Warm, with the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen's Association matching that contribution.
(Harrah's Chester)