Keppler sweeps amateur clashes

Yonkers, NY— Amateur harness racing driver Scott Keppler enjoyed his best night in the sulky when he won both $10,000 divisions in the North American Amateur Drivers Association (NAADA) Trotting series tonight (July 28) at Yonkers Raceway. He won the first contest with Judge Ken (Justice Hall) for trainer Jose Godinez in 1:58.2 and then copped the second with Fun Time Charlie (Power Play) for trainer Steve Moore in 2:00.2.

Although each winner had a different trainer listed, Keppler owns both trotters.

In the first contest Keppler sent Judge Ken to the lead, and they raced unchallenged throughout. They passed the first quarter in :29.1 and they showed the way by the half in :59.4.

When he headed up the backside for the three quarters Tony Verruso had Winneress close but when they turned for home Keppler asked his trotter for more and Judge Ken responded and opened up a two-length lead as he led his competition to the wire. Winneress was second and Jekyll N Hyde finished third for Nicole Dicostanzo.

Since the front-end worked out well for Keppler in the first event he tried the same tactics in the second and they led him to the winner’s circle once again. This time Keppler guided Fun Time Charlie to an easy wire to wire 2:00.2 victory.

Once again Tony Verruso took-up the chase, this time with Call Me Thefireman, but they could do no better than follow the leader to the finish line.  At the wire Fun Time Charlie was a 1-1/2 length winner over Verruso’s trotter. The Big Muscle finished third for Tony Ciuffetelli.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Manzi, for NAADA