AHDC trots held at Freehold

Freehold, NJ-– Amateur harness racing drivers Tony Beltrami and Dawn Anderson each won their respective $9,000 divisions in the American Harness Drivers Club series at Freehold Raceway Saturday (Dec. 4). Beltrami scored with Latoka in 1:59.3 while Ms Anderson was victorious with Take A Wish in 1:59.1

Sent off at odds of over 9-1 Beltrami drove Latoka like he was the best. After grabbing command from the two-hole and leading his competition by the first stanza in :28.4 Beltrami kept the pedal to the metal and zipped by the halfway point in :59.3.

Before reaching that point Bob Hechkoff moved the favorite, Uknow What To Do, off the pylons and out to challenge for the lead. Latoka rebuffed Hechkoff’s charge and sped away to a two-length lead as he trotted by the three quarters in 1:29.4.

When they straightened for home, there was no catching Latoka, and he went on to a 3-1/4 length victory in 1:59.3. Newcomer McKenzie Sowers rallied Awol Hanover past Inukchuk Chuck (Mark Schullstrum) for second money.

Latoka is owned and trained by Don Maiorano. He paid $21.60 for win.

LATOKA REPLAY

In the other division Dawn Anderson bided her time along the pylons with Take A Wish and when the field straightened for home, she hugged the pylons and trotted by the pacesetter, Fiji (Bob Krivelin) and went on for a one length triumph in 1:59.1.

Fiji held on for second money and If I Must (Paul Minore) garnered the show dough.

Take A Wish is co-owned by his driver and Steve Smith and trained by Ms Anderson. He paid $10.40 for the win.

TAKE A WISH REPLAY

For full race results, click here.

by John Manzi for the American Harness Drivers Club