AHDC Trots to Calabrese and Schullstrom

Freehold, NJ— Harness racing amateur drivers John Calabrese and Mark Schullstrom won their respective $9,000 trotting divisions in the American Harness Drivers Club series Saturday at Freehold Raceway; Calabrese with Big Sky Ex in 2:00.2 while Schullstrum scored behind Inukchuk Chuck in 1:59.4.

In his split Calabrese was content to hug the pylons after starting from the rail as Tony Verruso sent Trump This to the lead from the six-hole before the quarter mile timer flashed :29.1.

Once in command Verruso led the field by the half in 1:00.1 and they were still unchallenged as they trotted by the three quarters in 1:30.1. But trouble was lurking as Calabrese had Big Sky Ex in high gear and they rallied alongside Trump This on the final turn and both trotters were side by side heading for home.

However, Calbrese’s trotter was the strong horse and Big Sky Ex rallied to 1-1/4 length triumph before the timer flashed 2:00.2. Trump This held on for second while DS Mrmeaner (Mark Schullstrum) garnered the show dough.

The winner is owned by Domenico Costagliola and trained by Dennis Watson. He paid $4.80 for the win.

Calabrese made a strong bid with Shoemaker Hanover to win the second $9,000 division but even with a huge late rally they had to settle for second money as the much-traveled veteran trotter Inukchuk Chuck and driver Mark Schullstrum were not to be denied and they wired the field and scored a one-length triumph over Calabrese’s trotter in 1:59.4. Third place went to Worldsstonecold As, driven by Tony Beltrami.

The winner is owned by his driver and trained by Dawn Anderson. He paid $42.40 for the win.