AHDC trot action held at Freehold Saturday

Freehold, NJ—When you come to the compete in the harness racing amateur events at Freehold Raceway, you better be dressed for the occasion.

Armani Hanover (Sebastien K) certainly looked impressive in the first division of the American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) Trot races at Freehold on Saturday, October 29. The well-built gelding was hustled away from his inside post and never looked back as driver Yogi Sheridan took him effortlessly twice around the Jersey oval in a speedy clocking of 1:58:2.

The only mild threat came from Call Me Thefireman and Anthony Verruso as they tried to mount a first over bid up the back side. The third quarter went in :29 flat and that proved to be too much for the challenger to handle as he could get no closer than a couple of lengths back of the leader. Shoemaker Hanover and John Calabrese came closing hard in the stretch to nip Call Me Thefireman for the place spot.

Armani Hanover, a 4-year-old gelding, is owned by First Up Racing Stable of OH and trained by Mike Terpolilli. Some sharp backers who saw this horse make up a lot of ground after a break last week were rewarded with a handsome win payout of $24.60.

ARMANI HANOVER REPLAY

In the second AHDC division, Masster Blue (Muscle Mass) and  driverAnthony Verruso improved off of their second-place finish last week and stormed down the passing lane for a half-length victory in the Freehold finale.

Masster Blue left strong off the gate but Southern Swan Man was also sent quickly off the car by John Calabrese and took the lead approaching the quarter pole. The two trotters sat one-two and were unopposed until 5/8ths pole when My Big Kadillac was rushed first up by Mike Polansky.

With CHF Merodona and James Slendorn following that cover closely, it was a tight knit pack turning for home. As he did last week, Anthony Verruso sent Masster Blue down into the passing lane at the top of the stretch and this week he stormed past the leader to trip the teletimer in 2:00:3. Southern Swan Man held on for second with My Big Kadillac rounding out the top three.

Masster Blue, an 8-year-old gelding recorded his 29th lifetime win for owner/trainer John Novello. The consistent performer returned a $6.60 win price for his loyal backers.

MASSTER BLUE REPLAY

The AHDC will be back at it next Saturday 11/05 at Freehold Raceway.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Verruso, for the AHDC