Calabrese dominates from the front in AHDC Trot

WILKES-BARRE, Pa.— John Calabrese led every step with 1-5 favorite Cal Miles N Shell to win the $10,000 American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) Trot at Pocono Downs on Sunday night (Aug. 10).

Cal Miles N Shell (Trixton) cut an uncontested clip of :27.3, :57.1 and 1:24.2 with pocket-sitter Massive Matter (driven by Paul Minore) the closest threat. Massive Matter lunged after Cal Miles N Shell in the lane, but Calabrese kept his charge to task and notched the victory by a half length in a 1:53.3 mile. Six Sticks (Yogi Sheridan) took third, another four lengths behind, from Certify (Michael Fiumenero) in fourth.

John Calabrese trains Cal Miles N Shell, a 5-year-old gelding by Trixton, for owner Calabrese Farms LLC. He paid $2.40 to win.

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

Harrah’s Philadelphia hosted a pair of $7,500 AHDC Pace events earlier in the day. Yogi Sheridan romped to a 1:54.1 win in the first division with 3-5 favorite Mr Joe Cool. Sheridan sat third as Ferdinand A (James Slendorn) led through early fractions of :28 and :57 before he moved Mr Joe Cool into a first-over attack. Mr Joe Cool loomed alongside Ferdinand A marching to three-quarters in 1:25.3 and easily took over the lead through the final turn while widening his advantage in the stretch. Telitonthemountain (Michael Shults) grabbed second, beaten 4-3/4 lengths, with Ferdinand A settling for third and Born Brilliant (Matt Zuccarello) closing for fourth another four lengths behind.

Izzy Estrada trains Mr Joe Cool, a 4-year-old gelding by Roll With Joe, for owner Estrada Racing LLC. He paid $3.20 to win.

Michael Shults persisted through a first-over mile in the other AHDC Pace to win with even-money chalk Flying Tiger in a 1:57.3 mile. Shults left from post 8 with Flying Tiger, but could not find a seat at the pylons as Grateful Kiss (James Slendorn) led the helm into a :28.3 first quarter. Flying Tiger steadily followed the speed on the rim through a :59.3 half before advancing on Grateful Kiss, and the two eventually hooked into battle at three-quarters in 1:28.2. Grateful Kiss held firmly at the inside until spinning for home, where Flying Tiger ground past the leader and grabbed victory by three-quarter lengths. Nui Ba Den N (Raymond Burt) rallied from second over for second with Grateful Kiss finishing third and Stolen Art (Frank Tsipouras) taking fourth.

Michael Shults trains Flying Tiger, a 6-year-old gelding by Always B Miki, for owner Blazer One Racing. He paid $4.20 to win.

AHDC action continues next Sunday (Aug. 17) with pacing divisions at Harrah’s Philadelphia and trotting divisions at Pocono Downs. First-race post time at Harrah’s Philadelphia is 12:40 p.m. (EDT) and 6 p.m. (EDT) at Pocono.

For complete Harrah’s Philadelphia race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Ray Cotolo, for the AHDC