Tony Ciuffetelli takes first Pocono ADHC

The American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) made its first venture into Pennsylvania this past Sunday by way of Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, and it was quite the harness racing debut. In what was a very entertaining and well driven race, four horses blanketed the finish line and it was Tony Ciuffetelli who guided Inaperfectworld to victory with a  backside rush. 

The front end, as in many amateur events, was hotly contested early with Dave Glasser sending the favorite Marion Gondolier to an early lead, but Jake Stillwell came charging at him with Fashion Possessed and secured the top just past the quarter pole in a rousing 28:2 first quarter. After a well-rated second quarter, everyone seemed to think it was time to make a run at the pacesetter and began a wild charge up the back. Glasser pulled the pocket with the favorite at the same time Tony Ciuffetelli was coming first up just squeezing out in front of Steve Oldford and Zooming who also had ideas of  jumping the gun on the rail riding horses in front of him.

Marion Gondolier quickly retook the lead, but Ciuffetelli and Inaperfectworld wer in high gear and rolled past the favorite to secure the lead just prior to the last turn. The race was far from over as Oldford had his mount in full stride and was gaining quickly on the new leader. Joe Lee was rolling Cr Blazin Beauty three deep to make his run for the wire with Marion Gondolier rushing up the inside. The four horses battled to the wire and Ciuffetelli held on  to win by a head. 

Ciuffetelli commented “that’s all you can ask for is a good tight competitive race and we were lucky  enough to hold on for the victory”. It was Ciuffetelli’s fifth driving win of the season and second victory for Inaperfectworld who returned $8.40 to win in a time of 1:58:1. Zooming garnered the place spot with Cr Blazin Beauty rallying for third. 

The AHDC will be returning to Pocono this coming Sunday for more action packed amateur racing.

For race results, click here.

by Tony Verruso, for the AHDC