Bob Hechkoff launched Southwind Frost from off the speed through the final turn and landed the winning blow on the line to take the $9,000 American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) Trot at Freehold Raceway on Saturday, Jan. 27.
Leaving from post four, Hechkoff floated Southwind Frost off the wings to race in sixth while 3-1 favourite Call Me Thefireman (Anthony Verruso) shot for and secured the lead before a :30.1 first quarter. Awol Hanover (Steven Reisenweaver) then came calling for the front and crossed over to control before a 1:01.2 half as action began emerging off the pylons.
Dingle (Yogi Sheridan) angled off the pegs from fifth and led the two-wide charge after Awol Hanover moving for the backstretch, though he charge tapered coming to three-quarters in 1:32.2. Empereurthebest FR (James Slendorn) and Southwind Frost flew off their cover and began a wide assault through the final turn while Awol Hanover continued to cling to command. Spinning for home, Southwind Frost had the most momentum and downed a game Awol Hanover by a head in a 2:03.3 mile while Empereurthebest FR levelled off and settled for third with Brownie (Mike Polansky) taking fourth.
Michael Fiumenero conditions Southwind Frost, an eight-year-old gelding by E L Titan, for owner R B H Ventures Inc. He paid $12.20 to win.
AHDC action resumes next Saturday, Feb. 3 at Freehold Raceway. First-race post time is 12:30 p.m. (EST).
(American Harness Drivers Club)