Tony Verruso and Slated To Win prevailed after a tough stretch duel and turned back Zooming and driver Steve Oldford to win the $11,000 American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) Trot on Saturday (Oct. 30) at the Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.

With the field reduced to six starters, Verruso sent Slated To Win to lead when the wings of the mobile gate folded. They raced unchallenged and led their competition by the quarter in :28.0 with Tony Beltrami and Shared Interest A tight on Verruso's back. They were still one-two as they trotted by the half in :58.1, but Beltrami's trotter tired up the backside which left Zooming and driver Steve Oldford with a shot at the leader.

When the field passed three-quarters, Zooming was gaining on the leader. And when they headed for home, a stretch duel ensued with Slated To Win and Zooming side-by-side all the way to the wire. But when the judges finally posted the order of finish, Verruso breathed a sigh of relief. Third place went to the favourite Crazycat, who was driven by Bob Krivelin

"I figured if I sent my horse to the lead in this short field it would be our best chance to win but as we neared the finish line I had second thoughts," Verruso said. "It was so tight that when the judges posted my [horse's] number first I felt redeemed."

The winner, a five-year-old Uncle Peter gelding, is owned by George Beck and trained by Syman Spicer. He paid $12.40 for the win.

(AHDC)