Ciuffetelli puts on a driving clinic

Plains, Pa.–Tony Ciuffetelli put on a driving clinic today at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono winning both $11,000 harness racing divisions of the American Harness Drivers Club trots.

He scored with The Big Muscle (Muscle Mass) in 1:59.3 and with Magic MVP (My MVP) in 1:58.

In the initial contest, after leaving from the two-hole Ciuffetelli let Dante Scattolini gain command with Real McCoy before the quarter mile timer flashed :29.1  and from there he stalked the leader all the way to the top of the stretch before rallying his trotterto the lead and then went on to a solid length victory in 1:59.3.

Worldsstonecold As finished second for Tony Beltrami and Innisfallen garnered the show dough for Jake Stillwell.

THE BIG MUSCLE REPLAY

The 10-year-old Muscle Mass gelding is owned and trained by Ciuffeteli. Dismissed, and sent off at odds of over 14-1 The Big Muscle paid $3.20 for the win

In the other division Ciuffetelli left strong with Magic MVP and was parked past the quarter in :28  before making the front and once on top he kept the pedal to the metal and zipped by the half in :56.2.

Heading for the three quarters, Jonathan Ahle moved the race favorite TSM Photo Bugger off the pylons and out  toward the leader. But Magic MVP was still in control when he passed the three quarters in 1:26.3. In the lane Ciuffetelli’s trotter was getting leg weary but kept going forward and rebuffed  any and all challengers. But when he got near the finish line TSM Photo Bugger was all over  him and the two trotters hit the finish wire almost simultaneously. However, after the Judges reviewed the photo it was clear that TSM Photo Bugger was second best and Chief Justice was third, right there in the photo.

MAGIC MVP REPLAY

The  winner, a 7 year-old gelded son of My MVP, is owned and trained by Ciuffetelli. He paid $12.00 for the win.

For complete race results click here.

by John Manzi, for NAADA