“The Judge” Tony Beltrami had marching orders for his charge All Rise and led for every step to take the $9,000 American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) Trot at Freehold Raceway on Saturday afternoon (March 11).
Leaving from post four, All Rise planted himself on the point with Finnick Odair (driven by Melissa Arbia) securing the pocket and Drazzmatazz (John Calabrese) landing in third. All Rise posted a :28.2 first quarter and grabbed a breather to a :58.4 half, prompting Southwind Frost (Bob Hechkoff) to pull first over from fifth.
Southwind Frost made futile gains to three-quarters in 1:29.2 and, like the rest of the field, gave chase to All Rise around the final turn. The Ed Quevedo pupil trotted strongly to the finish to post a 1-1/4-length victory in 2:00.3 with Finnick Odair settling for second. Vendor Bill (Maria De Bruijn) closed for third and Southwind Frost held fourth.
Beltrami owns All Rise, a six-year-old gelding by Conway Hall. Sent off as the even-money favourite, he paid $4.20 to win.
AHDC action returns to Freehold Raceway next Saturday (March 18). First-race post time is 12:30 p.m. (EDT).
(AHDC)