Tonys take amateur Philly tilts

Northeast Philadelphia, Pa.– Two short fields of harness racing trotters contesting purses of $9,200 went to post today in the American Harness Drivers Club trots at Harrah’s Philadelphia today and each event was won by a driver named Tony.

In the first event Tony Beltrami scored in wire-to-wire fashion with Shared Interest A in a time of 1:57.3 while the second contest went to Masster Blue when Tony Verruso drove him to a 1:58 victory.

Verruso, who is making a charge for Amateur Driver of the Year honors, notched his 23rd seasonal victory when he guided Masster Blue to a come-from behind triumph in 1:58.

Sent away at odds of over 7-1 from the two-hole Verruso was content to follow the leaders as Bob Hechkoff showed the way with River Otter. But when Hechkoff’s trotter began to labor Verruso was out and going with Masster Blue and they charged to the lead as the field rounded the final turn and headed for home. At that point Tony Beltrami had Dark Pool in high gear and they rallied from fifth to finish heads apart with Masster Blue. But after the judges viewed the photo, Masster Blue was a head better than Dark Pool and declared the winner. Three lengths in the rears, Crews Hilltopper rambled home third best for Bob Krivelin.

MASSTER BLUE/TONY VERRUSO REPLAY

Masster Blue, a son of Muscle Mass, is owned and trained by John Novello. He paid $16.60 for win.

With only five others to contend with in his contest Tony Beltrami sent favored Shared Interest A immediately to the lead after the wings of the mobile gate folded and then played catch me if you can and since no one could Beltrami cruised to a 3-1/4 length triumph over Lionhead and driver Melissia Arbia in what was the fastest of the two amateur trots. Third place went to If I Must driven by Paul Minore.

SHARED INTEREST A/TONY BELTRAMI REPLAY

The winning son of Angus Hall is owned by Triple Q Stables and trained by Edwin Quevedo. He paid $5.00 for win.

For full race results, click here.

by John Manzi, for the American Harness Drivers Club