Krivelin delivers shock upset in ADHC

WILKES-BARRE, Pa.— Bob Krivelin delivered the longest shot on the board to a harness racing victory while Mike Polansky later powered down the road to win in their respective $10,000 dashes for the American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) Trot over the weekend at Pocono Downs.

Krivelin led every step of a 1:58.1 mile to score in the first AHDC Trot at odds of 53-1 behind Manuka (Credit Winner). After taking the lead to a :28.2 first quarter, Manuka cruised under mild first-over pressure from Im The Muscle (driven by Anthony Verruso) moving to a :58.3 half and easily repelled that rival when quickening up the backside. Manuka cut three-quarters in 1:27.2 and held his ground all through the stretch as 23-1 pocket-sitter Keystone Thunder (Matt Zuccarello) pushed to challenge late before settling for second by a head. Champa Bay Hall (Dante Scattolini) took third and Get Some Cash (Scott Keppler) closed from last for fourth.

MANUKA REPLAY

Bob Krivelin trains Manuka, a 7-year-old gelding by Credit Winner, for owner Hero Stables. He paid $108.20 to win.

Mike Polansky took the other AHDC Trot in a front-stepping effort with Certify in a 1:57.4 mile. Polansky launched out of post 8 to the fore and carved fractions of :28, :59 and 1:27.3 with little pressure mounting. He strolled for the finish for a one-length win over 3-1 favorite J-s Hopscotch rallied to take second from pocket-chaser Psalmsfortysixfive (Scott Keppler) in third. Big Nudge (Anthony Verruso) rallied from mid-pack for fourth.

CERTIFY REPLAY

Michael Fiumenero owns and trains Certify, a 9-year-old gelding by Credit Winner, he paid $13.80 to win.

A $7,500 division of the AHDC Pace was scheduled at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Sunday (Oct. 12) but was cancelled along with the whole race card due to poor weather conditions with the incoming tropical depression.

AHDC action continues with trotting divisions at Pocono Downs on Saturday (Oct. 18) and pacing divisions at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Sunday (Oct. 19). First-race post time at Pocono is 1 p.m. (EDT) and 12:40 p.m. (EDT) at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

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

by Ray Cotolo, for the AHDC