Patience was a virtue for Drazzmatazz, as he waited for the right moment and capitalized to win the Preferred Handicap Trot at Freehold Raceway on Friday (May 7) in an upset.
Off a win in the American Harness Drivers Club amateur trot last week, Drazzmatazz was sent off at 10-1 in the six-horse Preferred Handicap field. Luke Hanners kept his drive in the pocket early, letting Windsong Pioneer set fast fractions of :27.2 and :57 right in front of him. Heading towards three-quarters, Windsong Pioneer opened up a bit, but Hanners continued to rate with Drazzmatazz. He drew a bit closer as they turned for home, but Windsong Pioneer remained in front with favored Obrigado looming first-over. In the stretch, the passing lane opened up for Drazzmatazz, and he shot through and took charge. He crossed the line a neck in front in 1:55.3, a new lifetime mark. Windsong Pioneer held on for second, while Obrigado was third. Top Flight Angel, Winneress and Allindotime completed the order of finish.
Drazzmatazz is owned by Danbry Racing Inc. and trained by Vincent Stallworth. He has now won 24 times from 145 career starts, with earnings north of $313,000.
Live racing continues at Freehold on Saturday (May 8), with a 13-race card starting at about 12:30 p.m. There will be a double Pick-5 carryover, starting in race five, worth $1,139.84.
(Freehold Raceway)