NAADA action at Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, N.Y. – Scott Keppler conquered off a first-over grind and Anthony Verruso led pillar to post to take their respective $10,000 harness racing divisions for the North American Amateur Driving Association (NAADA) Trot at Yonkers Raceway on a non-betting card before pari-mutuel action Thursday night (July 27).

In the first division, Scott Keppler rolled Cyclone Maximus (Duke’s Ranger) along the rim and grabbed a half-length victory in 2:01.4. Keppler settled into fourth from the pylon post as Classy Guy (driven by Yogi Sheridan) shot for the top to a :30.2 first quarter. Facing no pressure towards the finish line first time, Classy Guy squeeked a half in 1:02.4 while Keppler kicked Cyclone Maximus off the pegs and started marching uncovered after the leader.

Cyclone Maximus loomed nearer to the leader at three-quarters in 1:32.1 and then powered to the lead when straightening for home. Reel Em In (Alan Schwartz) rallied off a pocket ride but settled for second with Classy Guy third and Winneress (Anthony Verruso) fourth.

Nancy Montembeault trains Cyclone Maximus, a 9-year-old gelding, for owner Joe Ricco Jr.

Anthony Verruso placed Call Me Thefireman (Wishing Stone) on the point and clung to a 2:00 victory in the other division. Call Me Thefireman pocketed Drazzmatazz to a :28.3 first quarter and snagged a breather to a :59.3 half — at which point Fair Glider (Joe Lee) pulled first over but stalled on the outside to the backside.

The field began stacking behind Call Me Thefireman past three-quarters in 1:29.3, and Raceace (Alan Schwartz) came barreling around tired cover to mount a challenge through the lane. Call Me Thefireman held firm to the finish, keeping a nose up on rallying Raceace with Turbochargedpete (Joe Faraldo) taking third and Drazzmatazz back fourth.

Andrew Adamczyk trains Call Me Thefireman, a 7-year-old gelding, for owner Anthony Verruso.

NAADA action resumes next Thursday night (Aug. 3) at Yonkers Raceway with the last preliminary for the Summer Series. The NAADA Summer Series will feature a consolation at Monticello Raceway on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 9 and a final at Yonkers Raceway on Thursday night, Aug. 10.

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

by Ray Cotolo, for NAADA