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Freehold, NJ — After an impressive harness racing victory against conditioned pacers on January 22, Lyons Steel had to wait three weeks to race again, as bad weather and track conditions scuttled his chance to race two weeks in a row.
His return was more than worth the wait, as he crushed the field in Saturday’s (February 12) Preferred Handicap pace at Freehold Raceway by nine lengths.
Having drawn post position seven in the eight-horse field, Lyons Steel went off as the overwhelming 1/5 favorite.
Driver Joe Bongiorno quickly blasted off with him, leaving quickly and establishing firm control early. From there, no one was able to seriously threaten him.
He was five lengths in front by the time they hit the three-quarter mile point, and cruised to victory from there, covering the mile in 1:54.1.
LYONS STEEL REPLAY
Lyons Steel is known for his affinity for Freehold. He’s won six of his last eight starts on this track. Lifetime, he’s won 33 times from 102 starts, with earnings of over $543,000. Last year, he finished fourth in the MGM Borgata Pacing Series Final at Yonkers Raceway.
He’s owned by BD Racing LLC and trained by Dennis Watson.
Mike Polansky used the rail position to his advantage and went down the road and made every pole a winning one en route to a 2:00.3 victory with My Big Kadillac in the AHDC trot today at Freehold Raceway.
Dismissed at odds of 17-1 his backers enjoyed a $36.00 win payoff.
When the rest of the field of seven trotters ducked to the pylons after the start it left Polansky all alone on the lead and he led the field by the first stanza in 30 seconds. But heading to the halfway point My Big Kadillac drew a host of challengers but still Polansky’s charge had command at the half in 1:00.4.
Still in command when he headed up the backside My Big Kadillac braced for challenges from Big Bill Breeze (Pearly Allen), Lincoln Tunnel (Melissa Arbia) and Gemini Eddie (Joe Faraldo). But none could get by the leader and Polansky’s charge still showed the way and even opened up a 2-length when he rounded the final and headed for home.
In mid-stretch My Big Kadillac’ strides began to shorten as John Calabrese had the betting favorite Allindotime rallying strongly and after clearing traffic he ranged up alongside the leader and the two trotters were side by side when they hit the finish line. But after a long photo the judges posted My Big Cadillac as the race winner. Lincoln Tunnel garnered the show dough for Melissa Arbia.
MY BIG KADILLAC REPLAY
The winner, an 8-year-old Kadabra gelding, is owned and trained by his driver.
Live racing resumes at Freehold Raceway on Friday (February 18), starting at 12:30 PM.
For full race results, click here.
From Freehold Raceway and John Manzi for AHDC
