Chicagoland: 'Take Achance' in front

Take Achance on Me has gotten over his long case of seconditis.

After winning only 5 of his first 40 starts and finishing second in 14 others, Take Achance on Me showed heart to win a stakes race April 9 at Laurel, and he beat the tough Illinois-bred sprinter Silver Bid by two lengths in the $88,250 Chicagoland Handicap here.

Sent straight to the lead by Emigh from the outside post in a five-horse field, Take Achance on Me got away with a moderate half-mile in 46.10 seconds, and he finished with plenty of vigor, easily holding clear Silver Bid, who was more than seven lengths in front of third-place Shandy at the wire. Jack of My Heart was fourth, Big Bold Sweep last. Take Achance on Me was timed in 1:10.55 for six furlongs and paid $6.80 to win.

Take Achance on Me, a 7-year-old American Chance gelding, has raced mainly on the East Coast, though he came to Arlington two seasons ago for an Illinois-bred sprint stakes. Mike Trombetta took over the horse's training midway through last season for the Ben Dover Stable.