Faraldo and Minore. It may sound like a law firm or maybe an excerpt from the motion picture, ‘The Italian Connection’, but the Faraldo and Minore referenced here are harness drivers and each won division of the CKG Billings Series at Yonkers Raceway tonight.

‘Smokin' Joe Faraldo won his Billings split with Muzzys Muscles in 2:03.1 while ‘Coach Paul’ Minore was victorious with Wygant Prince in 2:00.3 in the other division.

In his event Faraldo hustled Muzzys Muscles to the lead and they coasted through soft fractions while on the engine and although they were headed in the stretch Muzzys Muscles rallied back to score a head victory over ‘Millstone Mike’ Polansky's Noble Warrawee. Broadway Bruiser took home the show dough for ‘Mighty Matt’ Zuccarello.

Muzzys Muscles, a five-year-old Credit Winner gelding, is owned by his driver and trained by Richie Banca.

Since the front-end route worked well for Faraldo, Minore aped that move and his old warhorse made every pole a winning one.

After starting from the five hole Minore zipped Wygant Prince to the lead and they had two lengths on the field as they trotted by the quarter in :29.4.

Once on top they had to contend with ‘Joltin' Joe’ Pennacchio and Super Manning who came first- up after the half but they couldn't get any closer than to Wygant Prince's throat latch and Super Manning followed the old veteran trotter home to claim second money. Finnick Odair finished third for Melissa ‘the Contessa’ Arbia.

Wygant Prince is owned by Minore and trained by Taylor Gower.

(CKG Billings Series)