Yonkers: McWicked crushes rivals in Dan Rooney Invitational Pace

Brian Sears capped off a day that already seen him win Yonkers Raceway's $1 million International Trot with a 1:50 4/5 score with McWicked in the $250,000 Dan Rooney Invitational Pace.

Starting from post two and with Lazarus out of the race due to sickness, McWicked settled in third while Mach It So (Jason Bartlett) led early. Mach It So would be confronted by Nuclear Dragon (Tim Tetrick), though, and Nuclear Dragon made front as they passed the 27-second opening quarter.

Nuclear Dragon would go on to the half in 55 3/5, but Sears pulled the trigger first-up with McWicked at that point. McWicked came at Nuclear Dragon quickly around the final bend and into the backstretch, then overhauled him and began to open up at the 1:22 4/5 three-quarters.

McWicked continued to pour it on around the last turn and into the lane, and he was all alone at the wire, defeating Bit Of A Legend (Jordan Stratton), who had tried to follow his cover but couldn't keep up, by four lengths. Evenin Of Pleasure (Joe Bongiono) was third, Mach It So fourth, and Endeavor (Trace Tetrick) fifth.

"This horse, I can't say enough nice things about him," offered Sears. "He's showed up every week and always put out a really great effort. It was nice to get it done today. I was okay getting away in the three-hole. I figured I'd come first-up. I thought he was the best and would get it done that way. It worked out, but this horse, he can do it either way. He's pretty easy on himself, very easy to drive, and makes my job very easy.

"He's all race horse. He shows up every week and does his best. He always puts out a good effort. He's just a pleasure to be around and a pleasure to drive."

McWicked, a 7-year-old McArdle stallion, is trained by Casie Coleman for owner Ed James and his S S G Stables. This was McWicked's 31st career victory, and he has now earned $3,500,376. He was the 2-5 favorite and paid $2.90 to win.