Yo Y Me outduels Fortified Effort in ATBA Fall Sales

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Trainer Kevin Eikleberry appeared to have a stronghold on Monday’s $53,972 ATBA Fall Sales Stakes at Turf Paradise as he sent out even-money favorite Fortified Effort and 7-5 second choice Yo Y Me. So, it wasn’t surprising when he filled the exacta, though it was the elder 4-year-old Yo Y Me ($4.80) who took the top prize.

Owned by Eikleberry, William Matthews, and Lloyd Yother, the gelded son of Dixie Chatter last dueled and ran third to stablemate Fortified Effort in the Cactus Wren, a sprint, here Dec. 8. But that was his first start in more than four months, so having that run under his belt helped.

Under Scott Stevens he broke well from his rail slot in this mile contest, showed speed to duel early inside Oh Brother Jack, took a narrow lead into the backstretch, edged ahead going to the far turn and held that advantage to the top of the lane before opening up, going on to win easily by four lengths.

Fortified Effort, favored off that win in the Cactus Wren and a winner of five of his previous seven starts here, stalked in third, made a run at the winner into the lane but was no match, finishing second well clear of Oh Brother Jack, third in the field reduced to five after the scratch of Parched.

Yo Y Me ran the distance in 1:35.30 on a track listed as ‘fast (sealed)’ from steady rain. The winner’s share of $30,525 gives him earnings of $237,440 from eight wins in 21 starts.