Hechkoff wins NAADA Spring Series opener

YONKERS, N.Y.— Bob Hechkoff fired forward and never relinquished controls to go pillar to post with 5-2 third choice Southwind Mac (Walner) in the $13,100 opening preliminary of the North American Amateur Drivers Association (NAADA) Spring Series at Yonkers Raceway on Thursday night (March 19).

Leaving from post 3, Hechkoff crossed for an easy lead since 8-5 harness racing favorite Muscle Dan (driven by Tony Ciuffetelli), starting from the pylon post, missed the gate. Bar Keep De Vie (Dawn Anderson) pushed out of post 7 and pressed Southwind Mac on the rim to a :29.3 first quarter and through a :59.4 half.

Southwind Mac soon shook off Bar Keep De Vie as they faltered up the rim and faced a fresh challenge from pocket-sitter Kilimanjaro NL (Joe Lee) on the march to three-quarters in 1:30.2.

Kilimanjaro NL chased Southwind Mac through the last turn and didn’t menace in the stretch as Hechkoff coasted in with his charge for a 1-3/4-length win in a 2:01.1 mile.

Muskingum (Scott Keppler) rallied for third, another three lengths behind, and Niccolo (James Slendorn) closed for fourth.

SOUTHWIND MAC REPLAY

Frank Calcagni trains Southwind Mac, a 4-year-old gelding by Walner for owner R.B.H. Ventures Inc. He paid $7.62 to win.

NAADA action resumes next Thursday (March 26) with the second preliminary of the club’s spring series. First-race post time at Yonkers is 6:45 p.m. (EDT).

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Ray Cotolo, for the NAADA