Pearly Allen wins ADHC Trot

Freehold, NJ– After being a bridesmaid in five previous starts, Pearly “Chip” Allen notched his first seasonal triumph when he reined Levitation to a 2:00.2 victory in the $9000 American Harness Drivers Club trot today at Freehold Raceway.

Sent away as betting favorite from post two, his backers took a deep breath when Levitation bobbled after the start of the race, but Allen landed the trotter back on gait quickly and they settled down along the pylons as Wygant Prince (Paul Minore) and Fiji (Dave Offenberg) battled for command. When they passed the first quarter in:29.4, Minore and Offenberg were still at it as they passed the half in:59.4, with the eventual winner just biding his time behind Wygant Prince

When Wygant Prince passed the third stanza in 1:30.2, Fiji began to fade, and with the inside open, there was room for Levitation to move up and battle Wygant Prince for the lead. But the pacesetter showed signs of fatigue, and his stride shortened as Levitation trotted clear and held off a late rally from Always A Good Time and driver Joe Faraldo who got up for second money, a neck ahead of Wygant Prince who walked away with the show dough.

Levitation, a 6 year old altered son of Kadabra, is owned and trained by Franz Wolf. He paid $5.60 for win.

For full race results, click here.

by John Manzi, for the American Harness Drivers Club