Yogi Sheridan and Tony Beltrami capitalized off ground-saving trips to take their respective $11,000 divisions for the American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) Trot at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania on Sunday night (July 30).
In the first division, Sheridan shot to the lead with Classy Guy to grab a 1:57.4 victory. Sheridan settled Classy Guy into fourth to a :28.2 first quarter set by Campbellini (Dante Scattolini) with The Wish (John Calabrese) sitting in the pocket. Campbellini plodded past the half in :58.1 under no threat, though Southwind Frost (Bob Hechkoff) soon got underway and rolled uncovered along the rim. Southwind Frost loomed closer to Campbellini through three-quarters in 1:27.4 and took the lead off the bottom corner. Yet, Classy Guy found room to angle off the pegs in the lane, and with fresh legs vaulted by to win going away by 1-1/2 lengths. Campbellini moved into second following disqualification of Southwind Frost, for causing interference in the stretch. The Wish finished fourth.
Peter Pellegrino conditions Classy Guy, a seven-year-old gelding by Cantab Hall, for owner Barry Franklin. He paid $9 to win.
Tony Beltrami worked a pocket ride to paydirt in the second AHDC Trot with Freddie Mac, a 1:56.2 winner. Beltrami procured the spot from the pylon post when yielding control to Jive Ninety Five (Yogi Sheridan) to the first quarter in :28.3. Through middle fractions of :58.1 and 1:27, Jive Ninety Five strolled along with no challengers looming. Beltrami waited perched on a helmet and attacked with Freddie Mac in the lane to down Jive Ninety Five by 1-3/4 lengths while Allindotime (Bruce Baker) chased in third and Zlatan (Jacob Stillwell) settled for fourth.
Nick Sodano trains Freddie Mac, a nine-year-old gelding by Cornaro Dasolo, for owner ADV Racing Stable LLC. He paid $16.40 to win.
AHDC action continues next Sunday, Aug. 6 at Harrah’s Philadelphia, with first-race post time at 12:40 p.m. (EDT).
(AHDC; Photo of Tony Beltrami at The Meadowlands)