The weather was cold on Saturday (Feb. 13) at Freehold Raceway for the American Harness Drivers Club Trot. Driver Tony Verruso struggled to keep his hands warm on that frigid afternoon when he tried to settle down Slated To Win, which was no easy task. But Verruso won the battle and after a :28.4 first quarter the veteran trotter eased off the bit and was manageable.

“He certainly was fired up and my hands were getting cold trying to ease him off the bit,” Verruso said. “And he was lugging me all the way to the half but after that I could drive him with two fingers...cold ones at that, I might add.”

When the starter said “go” Verruso sent his charge to the lead and they were followed closely by Wygant Prince (driven by Pearly Allen). They raced one-two by the half in :59.4 and were still first and second as they trotted by the three-quarters in 1:30. When they headed for pay dirt Slated To Win was well in charge and cruised to 2-1/2 length triumph over his challenger. Allindotime, in rein to Joe Lee, rallied from far back to garner the show dough.

Two weeks ago, Verruso had driven Slated To Win to a second-place finish for then trainer Terry Morgan. This week the trotter went to post and was victorious from Symon Spicer's barn.

Also of note, with his second place finish, Wygant Prince went over the $500,000 mark in career earnings.

The race winner, a five-year-old Uncle Peter gelding, is owned by George Beck. Sent off the as the 1-2 favourite, Slated To Win paid $3.00 to win.

(AHDC)