14-1 longshot romps in AHDC Final

Freehold, NJ–Dark Pool (Cantab Hall) and harness racing driver Jake Stillwell copped the $15,000 American Harness Drivers Club Final today at Freehold Raceway and Bob Hechkoff with Warrior Way won the $9,000 consolation.

Dark Pool, who has been a series standout, was dismissed by the betting public and sent off at odds of over 14-1 but once Stillwell sent him to the front from the two-hole the rest of the field had little choice but follow him to the finish line. Oh, he had challenges along the way, but the veteran 9-year-old rebuffed them all.

First to challenge was the 1-5 betting favorite Allindotime (Joe Lee) and he got to the leader’s throatlatch but that was it. Also rebuffed were some longshots but they faded and as they did Dark Pool seemed to get stronger as he headed down the lane.

When the finish-line camera flashed Dark Pool led runner-up Shoemaker Hanover (John Calabrese), who had come from far back to finish second some 2-1/4 lengths behind the winner.

It was the fifth seasonal triumph for Dark Pool who is trained by Paul Fusco for owner Barry Franklin.

DARK POOL REPLAY

In the consolation Hechkoff sent Warrior Way (Muscle Mass) to the lead from the three-hole and he gained command after the quarter was trotted in :29.2. But once on top Trump This (Tony Ciuffetelli) kept the pressure on the leader, and they were side by side all the way to the top of the stretch before Trump This tired and as he did the betting favorite, Hallanet, rushed-up to challenge.

But Warrior Way hung on gamely for a 1-1/4 length victory in 2:01.1. Hallanet was second and Watkins (Dave Yarock) took home the show dough.

WARRIOR WAY REPLAY

Warrior Way is owned by R.B.H Ventures and trained by Michael Russo. He paid $7.80 for the win.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Manzi, for the AHRC