Joe Faraldo is a happy man tonight. And why shouldn't he be? After all, he came from Arcadia, California at midnight last evening and winged his way to New York precisely to drive in an amateur trot Tuesday at Yonkers Raceway.
His efforts were rewarded with a gate to wire triumph in 2:01.2 behind Tough Get Going in the second race on the betting card.
“I had meetings in California all this week but I wanted to get back east to compete in NAADA's initial contest this season on the betting card at Yonkers,” Faraldo said. “And it was no easy task. I caught the “red eye” last night at midnight (California time) and tried to get got a few winks on the way home. We landed at JFK at 9 a.m. today and I got an hour sleep at home before heading to my office.
“I was washed out but someone told me to drink lots of water which I did and believe it or not it refreshed me.”
Faraldo and his trusty charge were ready to take on the other five in the six-horse contest and both horse and driver were at the top of their game this evening. “Smokin' Joe” sent the Kadabra six-year-old gelding to the lead from the five-hole and they had command before the first quarter timer flashed up in :29.4.
Once on the engine they traveled past the half in 1:01.3 and three quarters in 1:30.4 being chased by Wygant Prince and driver Paul Minore. When the field headed for paydirt Tough Get Going was strong and he rambled home an easy 2-1/2 length winner. Wygant Prince held on for second while Fiji and driver Dave Offenberg grabbed the show dough.
The winner is co-owned by trainer Richie Banca and Faraldo. Notching his first victory of the 2019 season Tough Get Gong paid $12.80.
At series end the three drivers with the most points will vie for an all-expense paid trip to represent NAADA in an amateur series in Italy later this year.
(NAADA)