There's an old adage in harness racing that states, “when you think your horse is the best in the race send him to the lead and if he gets beat on the front-end he probably wasn't the best.”
Case in point; today's Billings trot at Freehold Raceway.
After “Tough Tony” Ciuffetelli sent Someway Same Hall to the lead from the four hole he obviously felt his trotter was the best in the field when he proceeded to park-out all comers and then roll on to an impressive 1:58.1 victory over six others.
After the gate sprung both Fiji (Dave “the Rave” Offenberg) and Wygant Prince, in rein to “Coach Paul” Minore, were on the limb and Ciuffetelli seemed oblivious and left them on the outside as he hustled Someway Same Hall forward with Fiji right alongside while Wygant Prince was second over.
Of course the challenges made the first fraction a swift :28.1 and at the halfway point the timer flashed :58. But Ciuffetelli was undaunted as his steed began to pull away from the parked horses.
At the three-quarters Ciuffetelli and Someway Same Hall had three lengths on the field which was opened to seven at the top of the lane. And when they headed for paydirt “Tough Tony” was looking around for company and they cruised to and easy eight-length triumph as the early challengers faded. Way Cry Hall and Bob “the Headhunter” Hechkoff were second under the wire while Fiji held on for the show dough.
The winner is owned by the Tic Racing Stable and trained by Ciuffetelli. Although “Tough Tony” felt his horse was the best the betting crowd didn't concur and sent them off at odds of over 10-1 and Someway Same Hall paid $22.10.
(CKG Billings)