Late heroics deliver Sheridan and Shults AHDC victories

Chester, PA – Yogi Sheridan and Michael Shults both charged from off the speed and reached for the line in time to nab harness racing victories in their respective $7,500 divisions of the American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) paces at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Sunday (Nov. 30).

Sheridan scored in the first AHDC pace with 6-5 favorite Bluebird Crush in a 1:56.1 mile. After landing in fourth through a :27 first quarter from the pylon post, Sheridan sat while pacesetter Lew Hauber (driven by Geovany Hernandez) battled first-over Drinkin Again (Frank Tsipouras). The pair sparred to the half in :57.2 and to three-quarters in 1:25.2, at which point Sheridan lifted Bluebird Crush into action. Bluebird Crush narrowed on the embroiled duo spinning for home and extended for the finish to notch a slim win by a head. A Stud Named Sam (Raymond Burt) rallied from off the winner’s back for second while Drinkin Again took third and Lew Hauber finished fourth.

BLUEBIRD CRUSH REPLAY

Izzy Estrada trains Bluebird Crush, a 4-year-old mare by Captain Crunch, for owner Estrada Racing LLC. She paid $4.40 to win.

Michael Shults later pounced from third over for a 1:55.4 victory with 5-2 second-choice Revolver N in the other AHDC pace. Shults laid back near last while Thndrfrmthethron N (Tony Beltrami) and odds-on favorite Better Than Some (Geovany Hernandez) dueled for the lead through fractions of :27.1 and :56.1. He angled Revolver N off the pylons nearing the half and rode cover to three-quarters in 1:25 as Thndrfrmthethron N attempted to scurry away from the field. But the leader’s sudden three-length lead diminished turning for home as Better Than Some pushed persistently to the outside and Shults launched Revolver N into top gear. Revolver N rolled forward and snatched the win by three-quarter lengths from Better Than Some while Thndrfrmthethron N settled for third and Lenda Hand Man (Matt Zuccarello) closed off a ground-saving trip for fourth.

REVOLVER N REPLAY

Michael Shults trains Revolver N, an 11-year-old gelding by Auckland Reactor N, for owner Blazer One Racing. He paid $7.20 to win.

AHDC action continues at Harrah’s Philadelphia next Sunday (Dec. 7) with pacing and trotting divisions scheduled. First-race post time at Harrah’s Philadelphia is 12:40 p.m. (EST).

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

by Ray Cotolo, for the American Harness Drivers Club