Calabrese, Polansky claim AHDC Trots

FREEHOLD, N.J.— John Calabrese coasted down the road and Mike Polansky vaulted from off the speed to take their respective $9,000 harness racing divisions for the American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) Trot at Freehold Raceway on Saturday afternoon (Nov. 11).

In the first division, Calabrese fired from post 7 to the top with Empereurthebest FR (Un Amour D’haufor) through a :29.1 first quarter and rolled through the remainder. He staved a first-over challenge from Awol Hanover (driven by Steven Reisenweaver) past a :58 half and then strolled to three-quarters in 1:27.2 with pocket-sitter Trump This (Neil Glasser) the closest threat.

Trump This proved no threat in the lane as Empereurthebest FR crossed the line 1-1/2 lengths better in a 1:58.3 mile. Winneress (Anthony Verruso) rallied from second over to take third and Southwind Frost (Bob Hechkoff) came from near last for fourth.

Chris Height conditions Empereurthebest FR, a 9-year-old gelding, for owner Barry Franklin. He paid $3.80 to win.

EMPEREURTHEBEST FR REPLAY

My Big Kadillac (Kadabra) scored a 12-1 upset in the other division going away in 1:59.1. Polansky settled into fourth behind a skirmish on the point between Fashion Cantab (Anthony Verruso), Grafenberg (Joe Faraldo) and Masster Blue (John Calabrese). Fashion Cantab emerged on the lead through a :28.4 first quarter and Grafenberg ducked into the pocket, all while My Big Kadillac sat poised and ready to strike after a :58.2 half.

Polansky gave My Big Kadillac his cue to move and charged after Fashion Cantab up the backstretch. My Big Kadillac grabbed the lead after three-quarters in 1:28.4 and scooted clear of his competition spinning into the lane, opening four lengths to the beam while chased by 48-1 shot Real McCoy (Dante Scattolini) in second. Grafenberg finished third and Fashion Cantab took fourth.

Mike Polansky owns and trains My Big Kadillac, a 9-year-old gelding. He paid $27.20 to win.

MY BIG KADILLAC REPLAY

AHDC action resumes next Sunday (Nov. 19) when the Fall Trotting Series goes to Harrah’s Philadelphia. First-race post time at Harrah’s Philadelphia is 12:40 p.m. (EST).

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Ray Cotolo, for AHDC