Two $9,000 American Harness Drivers Club events went to post on Saturday (May 1) at Freehold Raceway, with Tony Verruso and Joe Faraldo emerging victorious in their respective splits.

In the first division, Verruso floated Drazzmatazz away from the gate to land in third while Dave Offenberg and Fiji controlled first-lap splits of :28 and :56.4.

"After the steppy half, I moved Drazzmatazz off the pylons as we headed to the three-quarters," Verruso said. "We charged up alongside the leader, and when we headed for home, my horse was strong and we rallied to a solid 1:57.1 victory."

Fiji, who finished second, was disqualified to last, elevating Ooh Rah (Todd Whitney) to second and Always A Good Time (Joe Faraldo) to third.

Drazzmatazz, an eight-year-old RC Royalty gelding, is owned by Danbry Racing and trained by Vincent Stallworth. He paid $3.00 to win.

In the second division, Faraldo emerged victorious with 17-1 shot Presidente Zette, but only after first-place finisher Keystone Orion and driver Tony Beltrami were disqualified for leaving the course.

Faraldo ducked Presidente Zette in sixth early, and then found cover later in the mile as Pound Sterling (Bob Hechkoff) and Keystone Thunder (Matt Zuccarello) duked it out past three-quarters and into the final turn. In the lane, Presidente Zette — individually clocked in 2:00.4 — rallied to victory, with Masster Blue (Verruso) and Inukchuk Chuck (Mark Schullstrom) rounding out the top three.

Presidente Zette, a seven-year-old Muscle Hill stallion, is owned by Cozette McAvoy and trained by Scott DiDomenico. He paid $36.60.

(with files from AHDC)