After an impressive victory against conditioned pacers on January 22, Lyons Steel had to wait three weeks to race again, as bad weather and track conditions scuttled his chance to race two weeks in a row.
His return was more than worth the wait, as he crushed the field in the Preferred Handicap pace at Freehold Raceway on Saturday (Feb. 12) by nine lengths.
Having drawn post position seven in the eight-horse field, Lyons Steel went off as the overwhelming 1/5 favourite. Driver Joe Bongiorno quickly blasted off with him, leaving quickly and establishing firm control early. From there, no one was able to seriously threaten him. He was five lengths in front by the time they hit the three-quarter mile point, and cruised to victory from there, covering the mile in 1:54.1.
Lyons Steel is known for his affinity for Freehold. He's won six of his last eight starts on this track. Lifetime, he's won 33 times from 102 starts, with earnings of more than $543,000. Last year, he finished fourth in the MGM Borgata Pacing Series Final at Yonkers Raceway. He's owned by BD Racing LLC and trained by Dennis Watson.
POLANSKY WINS $9,000 AHDC TROT AT FREEHOLD
Mike Polansky used the rail position to his advantage, going straight down the road to make every pole a winning one en route to a 2:00.3 victory with My Big Kadillac in the American Harness Drivers Club trot.
Dismissed at odds of 17-1 his backers enjoyed a $36 win payoff.
When the rest of the field of seven trotters ducked to the pylons after the start it left Polansky all alone on the lead and he led the field by the first stanza in :30. Heading to the halfway point, My Big Kadillac drew a host of challengers but still Polansky's charge had command at the half in 1:00.4.
Still in command when he headed up the backside My Big Kadillac braced for challenges from Big Bill Breeze (Pearly Allen), Lincoln Tunnel (Melissa Arbia) and Gemini Eddie (Joe Faraldo). But none could get by the leader and Polansky's charge still showed the way and even opened up a two-length when he rounded the final and headed for home.
In mid-stretch My Big Kadillac's strides began to shorten while John Calabrese had the betting favourite Allindotime rallying strongly. After clearing traffic he ranged up alongside the leader and the two trotters were side-by-side when they hit the finish line. But after a long photo the judges posted My Big Kadillac as the race winner. Lincoln Tunnel garnered the show dough for Melissa Arbia.
An eight-year-old Kadabra gelding, My Big Kadillac is owned and trained by his driver.
Live harness racing resumes at Freehold Raceway on Friday (Feb. 18), starting at 12:30 p.m.
(Freehold / AHDC)