Freehold, NJ— It was a great day for longshot players in the $9,000 American Harness Drivers Club harness racing series trots at Freehold Raceway when 18-1 shot, Inukchuk Chuck and driver Mark Schullstrom, won the first division and John Calabrese copped the second with Watkins after being sent off at odds of 13-1.
Inukchuk Chuck and driver Mark Schullstrom (World Wide Racing Photo)
In the first split driver Mark Schullstrom sent the much-traveled Inukchuk Chuck to the pylons after starting from the five-hole and they didn’t gain command until the 1:00.4 half.
Once on top pressure came from favored Drazzmatazz(Tony Verruso) but that challenge failed as Matt Zuccarello and Ironhead took up the chase when they passed the three-quarters in 1:30.
When they turned for home Inukchuk Chuck was strong and rebuffed any and all challenges and was the first home in the 2:00 mile. A late rush by Worldsstonecold As (Tony Beltrami) finished second while Lionhead took home the show dough.
Mark Schullstrom owns and trains the winner.
INUKCHUK CHUCK REPLAY
In the second split John Calabrese left softly from the four-hole with Watkins and they settled in fourth as Trump This and Tony Verruso showed the way to the quarter in :29 seconds.
Watkins and driver John Calabrese (World Wide Racing Photo)
After a :58.3 first half an early move by Calabrese had Watkins showing the way past the three quarters in 1:29.1.
At that point Trump This faded and Latoka (Tony Beltrami) took up the chase, but no one was going to catch the leader as Watkins put it in another gear and zipped home an oh-so-easy 11-length winner in 1:59. Latoka held second while Warrior Way garnered the show dough for Bob Hechkoff.
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