Beltrami, Lee take NAADA trots

Yonkers, NY–Two non-wagering $10,000 trots in the North American Amateur Drivers Association harness racing series were contested before the wagering program got underway at Yonkers Raceway tonight (July 14) and when the judges deemed each race official, drivers Tony Beltrami and Joe Lee won their respective splits; Beltrami with Crazy About Pat (Crazed) in 1:58.1 and Lee with Con Air Hall (Groton Hall) also in 1:58.1.

In the first division Beltrami and Crazy About Pat followed cover at the half provided by Big Nudge (Tony Verruso) and stalked him to the top of the lane and then rallied to the lead and braced for a late charge from Crazy About Pat as they headed for paydirt.

And although Big Nudge rushed alongside Beltrami’s charge, Crazy About Pat was not to be denied and he went on to a neck victory Judge Ken garnered the show dough for Scott Keppler.

The winner is a 12-year-old gelding owned by PT Stable and trained by Paul Fusco.

In the other split, Joe Lee took no prisoners and opened up a 6-length lead with Con Air Hall at the quarter and then made every other pole a winning one en route to a 1:58.1 victory.

The 9-year-old gelding had to reach down for more to rebuff a late charge from Jekyll N Hyde (Nicole Diconstanzo) to score ahead triumph. Wings Up finished third for Jo4 Faraldo,

The winner is owned by Barry Franklin and trained by Candace Brandstatter.

Also today at Croswell, Michigan, Swan Leader (Swan For All) won the $2,000 amateur trot in 2:04 for driver Ryan Barrett. The 10-year-old gelding is owned by Charles Taylor and Vivian Bogher and trained by Taylor.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Manzi, for NAADA