Sheridan strolls in NAADA Trot

YONKERS, N.Y.— Yogi Sheridan protected position from the pylon post with Magic Melvin and led his harness racing competition every step of the way for a 1:58.2 victory in the lone $13,100 division of the North American Amateur Drivers Association (NAADA) Trot at Yonkers Raceway on Thursday night (Sept. 25).

Sheridan’s competition dwindled off the gate with Los Ballykeelamigo (driven by Anthony Verruso) breaking stride to his right flank and Feeriedesbrouetsfr (Alan Schwartz) going into a gallop from the outermost post. Magic Melvin then moseyed forward to take the lead heading to a :28.2 first quarter and continued to face minimal pressure to a :58.2 half. Pocket-sitter Star Hairdresser (Andrew Adamczyk) abandoned his slot moving for three-quarters in 1:28.1 to challenge Magic Melvin for the lead in an eventually futile effort. Magic Melvin repelled his rival spinning for home and coasted to the line a one-length winner while Star Hairdresser settled for second. Roger Rabbit (Tony Beltrami), the 5-2 favorite, gave chase from a second-over trip in third and Psalmsfortysixfive (Scott Keppler) saved ground to rally for fourth.

MAGIC MELVIN REPLAY

Shane Tritton trains Magic Melvin, a 4-year-old gelding by International Moni, for owner Joshua Graber. He paid $8.48 to win.

NAADA action shifts to Monticello Raceway next Wednesday (Oct. 1). 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