Yogi Sheridan persevered through a parked mile behind 9-5 favourite Drazzmatazz to grind a last-to-first victory in the $12,162 American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) Trot at Freehold Raceway on Saturday, March 9.
Starting from post eight, Sheridan took back with Drazzmatazz while Classic Playter (James Slendorn) pushed to front the pack after a :30.1 first quarter, pocketing early leader Masster Blue (Joe Lee). Hammer Creek (John Calabrese) followed the sweeping move and brushed forward to grab command from Classic Playter to a 1:00.2 half while Masster Blue jumped off stride from the pocket.
All the while, Awol Hanover (Steven Reisenweaver) ground along the rim with Drazzmatazz in tow and marched to match heads with Hammer Creek coming to three-quarters in 1:31.1. The pair stayed engaged through the final turn as Sheridan released Drazzmatazz from his cover and launched for the top coming for home. Drazzmatazz took control in the lane and strode by the beam in 2:02.1, three-quarter lengths better than Awol Hanover in second. Winneress (Anthony Verruso) also launched off cover to grab third and Hammer Creek faded to fourth.
Terry Morgan conditions Drazzmatazz, an 11-year-old gelding by RC Royalty, for owner Danbry Racing Inc. He paid $5.60 to win.
AHDC action resumes next Saturday, March 16 at Freehold Raceway. First-race post time at Freehold is 12:30 p.m. (EDT).
(With files from AHDC)