Freehold hosts two division of AHDC trots

FREEHOLD, N.J.— Tony Beltrami bolted from the backfield and John Calabrese led from pillar to post to take their respective $9,000 harness racing divisions for the American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) Trot at Freehold Raceway on Saturday (April 6).

In the first division, Beltrami guided odds-on favorite Landia (Yankee Glide) to an off-the-speed score in 2:00.4. Beltrami landed in sixth with his charge and got underway along the rim after a :29.1 first quarter to follow cover from the long-parked Hammer Creek (driven by James Slendorn).

As Hammer Creek dug into tempo-setter Ss Tys Aflyin (Bob Hechkoff) through a 1:00.2 half, Beltrami readied to spring three wide and started to swoop the field at three-quarters in 1:31.1. Once hitting the lead, Landia strode clear through the final turn and the stretch to win by 4-1/2 lengths at the beam. Spirit Of Success (John Calabrese) tracked the winner’s rally to grab second with Awol Hanover (Steven Reisenweaver) securing third and Hammer Creek holding fourth.

Donald Maiorano owns and trains Landia, a 5-year-old mare, who paid $3.80 to win.

LANDIA REPLAY

John Calabrese took control in the other division with Shoemaker Hanover (Cantab Hall) and motored down the road to a 2:01 win. Leaving from post 3, Calabrese grabbed an easy lead with Shoemaker Hanover to a :29.2 first quarter and stayed resolute through the remainder.

He waded a first-over push from Empereurthebest FR (James Slendorn) through middle fractions of :59.3 and 1:30 with few other foes menacing. Empereurthebest FR then lost stride spinning for home, leaving Shoemaker Hanover alone on the lead as he rolled to a 2-1/2-length win. My Big Kadillac (Mike Polansky) ripped home from off the speed for second with pocket-sitter Livingontherail (Anthony Verruso) finishing third and La Magic (Tony Beltrami) grabbing fourth.

SHOEMAKER HANOVER REPLAY7

John Calabrese trains Shoemaker Hanover, an 11-year-old stallion, for his Calabrese Farms LLC along with Michelle Rickey. He paid $4.20 to win.

AHDC action resumes next Saturday (April 13) at Freehold Raceway. First-race post time is 12:30 p.m. (EDT).

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results

by Ray Cotolo, for the AHDC