Freehold Raceway hosted two $9,000 trots for the American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) on Saturday (Feb. 25), but one John Calabrese visited the winner’s circle for both divisions.

In the first division, Calabrese avoided early hubbub by going to the top with Drazzmatazz. Finnick Odair (driven by Melissa Arbia) failed to find a spot at the pylons and pushed forward along the rim while Gruden (Joe Lee), on a break from the start, galloped around the field settling into order.

Drazzmatazz hung Finnick Odair to a :29 first quarter and through a :59.1 half. J S Peyton (Yogi Sheridan) grabbed brief cover up the backside before being forced to circumvent Finnick Odair as he tired through three-quarters in 1:29.4. The field stacked in behind Drazzmatazz, who spun for home and travelled straight to the finish to win by a half length in 1:59.3 over pocket-sitter Southwind Frost (Bob Hechkoff). Winneress (Tony Verruso) cut the corner and grabbed third from J S Peyton at the center of the track in fourth.

Terry Morgan trains Drazzmatazz, a 10-year-old RC Royalty gelding, for owner Danbry Racing Inc. He paid $13.80 to win.

Calabrese chose different tactics for the second AHDC Trot. In reign to Turbochargedpete, Calabrese floated off the wings to race sixth while Luvcrunchess (Melissa Arbia) and Call Me Thefireman (Tony Verruso) sparred through a :28.3 first quarter and :58.2 half. The two remained throat and throat as the backfield sprung to life up the backstretch.

Trump This (Tony Ciuffetelli) fired three wide to three-quarters in 1:29.1 with Turbochargedpete in tow. Luvcrunchess shortened in stride off the corner and Turbochargedpete barrelled home with the most momentum, striding 2-1/2 lengths clear to win in 2:00.1. Lionhead (Yogi Sheridan) swept from last to take second and Masster Blue (Joe Lee) weaved through traffic for third.

Scott Di Domenico conditions Turbochargedpete, a six-year-old Uncle Peter gelding, for owners Chris Page and Triple D Stables Inc. He paid $6.60 to win.

AHDC action returns to Freehold Raceway next Saturday (March 4). First-race post time is 12:30 p.m. (EST).

(AHDC)