Yogi Sheridan fulfilled an odds-on promise and Joe Lee pulled a 15-1 upset in their respective $9,000 divisions of the American Harness Drivers Club Trot at Freehold Raceway on Saturday afternoon.
In the first division, Yogi Sheridan sent Drazzmatazz for the top and led through a :28.4 first quarter before stealing a second quarter towards a 1:00 half. Jekyil N Hyde (Joe Lee) drafted from the pocket while Shoemaker Hanover (John Calabrese) pulled first over to try and challenge the leader as the tempo quickened. Drazzmatazz maintained a healthy lead by three-quarters in 1:29.4 but came under siege through the lane from Shoemaker Hanover and Jekyil N Hyde to the inside. Despite the two-pronged attack, Drazzmatazz stuck through to keep a head in front at the end of a 1:59.4 mile with Shoemaker Hanover settling for second, Jekyil N Hyde taking third and Winneress (Anthony Verruso) riding the pylons to finish fourth.
Terry Morgan trains Drazzmatazz, a 10-year-old RC Royalty gelding, for owner Danbry Racing Inc. He paid $3.40 to win.
Joe Lee gutted a victory out of the other division with Inukchuk Chuck, who survived a parked trip the whole mile from post eight to win in 2:00.3.
Call Me Thefireman (Anthony Verruso) vaulted for the top and led by a :29.3 first quarter with Inukchuk Chuck pressing along the rim. Verruso kept Inukchuk Chuck wide through a :59.2 half and to three-quarters in 1:29.3, and the pair remained in battle to the head of the lane. Despite the long journey, Inukchuk Chuck pushed forward and downed Call Me Thefireman in the lane by a head while Lionhead (Yogi Sheridan) soared late to just miss in third as the 9-5 favourite. My Big Kadillac (Mike Polansky), sitting a pocket trip, took fourth.
Marianna Monaco conditions Inukchuk Chuck, a 10-year-old gelding by Muscles Yankee, for owner Ryan Berry. He paid $32.40 to win.
AHDC action returns to Freehold Raceway on Friday, April 14 with the $9,000 AHDC Pace. First-race post time at Freehold is 12:30 p.m.
(AHDC)