Dube Eyes 8,000th Win Milestone at Yonkers Raceway

Dan Dube, the leader in the early-season driver standings by a wide margin at Yonkers Raceway, is closing in on major milestone. Dube won four races on Tuesday (February 24th) afternoon, including three straight, lifting his career total to 7,998. He's just two shy of the plateau, and has his sights set on history Thursday night, February 26. The temperatures may be bone-chilling, but Mr. Dube is red hot at the reins. Dube-s "natural hat trick" (three in a row) began with Aquanilla ($3), a horse he owns, romping in the $9,000, fourth-race trot (1:58). Next, Winwood Scout ($22.80) wired the field from the eight-hole in the $9,000, fifth-race trot (1:58) before Vegas Rocks ($6.90) went the distance in the $9,000, sixth-race pace (1:56.4). Dube-s fourth win of the day was with the rail-skimming Larussa STL ($8.30) in the $13,000, eighth-race pace (1:56.4). The lightly-raced statebred won for the first time since July of 2013. ?I don-t really look at (the numbers),? Dube said. ?I don-t put any pressure on myself. I-m happy the season has gone well so far, and (8,000) is going to happens when it happens.? He has 10 scheduled drives here Thursday night. ‎ The 45-year-old native of Charlesbourg, QC, is nearing $95 million in career purses, and is best known as the primary driver for two Harness Horses of the Year, Gallo Blue Chip (2000) and Rock N Roll Heaven (2010). He says he doesn't look at the numbers, but Dan Dube is unquestionably a big numbers man. The Raceway-s live season continues Thursday (with a Pick 5 carryover of $2,884.58) through Saturday (all at 7:10 PM). Evening simulcasting accompanies all night programs, with afternoon simulcasting available daily (provided Mother Nature cooperates).