A scant difference of a nostril made Lucky Matter and driver John Calabrese the victor of the $12,162 American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) Trot at Freehold Raceway on Saturday afternoon (Feb. 3).
Leaving from post two, Calabrese took back with Lucky Matter while Trump This (Neil Glasser) vaulted from post five for the lead into a :29.1 opening quarter. Fomor (James Slendorn), securing the pocket, then came after Trump This and circled to the lead before a 1:01 half.
As Fomor vacated his pocket spot, odds-on favourite Lionhead (Yogi Sheridan) also began angling off the cones and soon provided cover to the overland Lucky Matter. Lionhead led the attack on Fomor to the backside and maintained steady pressure on the leader to three-quarters in 1:31.2.
Fomor gave in to Lionhead’s pressure through the final turn while Lucky Matter swelled off the helmet and gathered his momentum for the stretch drive. Lionhead surged to the lead in the stretch but could not wade Lucky Matter’s steam as he overhauled the late-leader for the win in 2:02.2. Dark Pool (Tony Beltrami) snagged third while Winneress (Anthony Verruso) followed the live cover to take fourth.
Harold Herrara conditions Lucky Matter, a 10-year-old gelding by Explosive Matter, for Rosa Barrera and James Jacobs. He paid $11.20 to win.
AHDC action resumes at Freehold Raceway next Saturday, Feb. 10. First-race post time at Freehold is 12:30 p.m. (EST).
(With files from American Harness Drivers Club)