Sheridan, Keppler take NAADA Trots

YONKERS, N.Y.— Yogi Sheridan prevailed as the chalk while Scott Keppler strolled down the road to take their respective $13,400 harness racing divisions of the North American Amateur Drivers Association (NAADA) Trots at Yonkers Raceway on Thursday night (May 8).

Sheridan held to the finish with near 2-5 favorite Muskingum in the first NAADA division, stopping the clock in 2:00.2. Launching a bid out of third after a :29 first quarter, Sheridan found himself embroiled in battle with 30-1 shot Campbellini (driven by Dante Scattolini) for the remainder of the mile. Campbellini took the lead to a :59.4 half, but Sheridan promptly moved to attack heading for the backside. Muskingum and Campbellini struck horns to three-quarters in 1:29, all through the final turn and into the stretch. Sheridan kept his charge strong through the lane and Muskingum held a head against Campbellini at the finish while Call Me Thefireman (Tony Ciuffetelli) swarmed the duelers late but settled for third and Lil’ Day Drinkin (John Calabrese) gave chase in fourth.

MUSKINGUM REPLAY

Vincent Ginsburg trains Muskingum, an 8-year-old mare by Triumphant Caviar, for  owner Fox Racing Inc. He paid $2.70 to win.

Scott Keppler had easier proceedings in the other NAADA division when he fired Psalmsfortysixfive to the point and never looked back in progress to a 1:59.2 win.

Keppler circled to take the lead from All Rise (Tony Beltrami) through a :28.4 first quarter and coasted through middle fractions of :59.4 and 1:28.4. He strode to the finish and posted a 2-1/2-length win over Fanatic (Andrew Adamczyk), who closed to take second from All Rise in third. Big Limo (Anthony Verruso) rallied from last for fourth.

Jose Godinez trains Psalmsfortysixfive, a 5-year-old mare by Fitzmagic, for owner Scott Keppler. He paid $8.70 to win.

PSALMFOURTYSIXFIVE REPLAY

NAADA action shifts to Monticello Raceway next Wednesday (May 14) for the ninth preliminary of the club’s Spring Fling Series. First-race post time at Monticello is 12:10 p.m. (EDT).

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

by Ray Cotolo, for the NAADA