John Calabrese and Mark Schullstrom won their respective $9,000 trotting divisions of the American Harness Drivers Club Series trots at Freehold Raceway on Saturday (April 23).
Calabrese connected with Big Sky Ex in 2:00.2 while Schullstrom scored behind Inukchuk Chuck in 1:59.4. Both races were on the betting card.
In his split Calabrese was content to hug the pylons after starting from the rail while Tony Verruso sent Trump This to the lead from the six-hole. Once in command Verruso led the field by the quarter in :29.1 and the half in 1:00.1, and they were still unchallenged as they trotted by the three quarters in 1:30.1. But trouble was lurking as Calabrese had Big Sky Ex in high gear and they rallied alongside Trump This on the final turn, with the trotters side by side heading for home. Calbrese's trotter was the strong horse, however, and Big Sky Ex rallied to a 1-1/4 length triumph as the timer flashed 2:00.2. Trump This held on for second while DS Mrmeaner (Mark Schullstrom) garnered the show dough.
Big Sky Ex is owned by Domenico Costagliola and trained by Dennis Watson. He paid $4.80 for the win.
Calabrese made a strong bid with Shoemaker Hanover to win the second $9,000 division but even with a huge late rally they had to settle for second money. The much-traveled veteran trotter Inukchuk Chuck and driver Mark Schullstrom were not to be denied and they wired the field en route to a one-length triumph over Calabrese's trotter in 1:59.4. Third place went to Worldsstonecold As, driven by Tony Beltrami.
The winner is owned by his driver and trained by Dawn Anderson. He paid $42.40 for the win.
(AHDC)