Tony Verruso sent Masster Blue to the lead when the wings of the mobile gate folded and proceeded to make every pole a winning one en route to a 2:00.1 victory in the $9,000 American Harness Drivers Club Trot at Freehold Raceway on Saturday (March 19).
Sent off as third choice in the seven-horse field Masster Blue paid $10.20 for the win.
After starting from the five hole Verruso hustled his trotter toward the front and he had the lead after Mike Polanski grabbed leather with My Big Kadillac and allowed Verruso and Masster Blue to take command, with the quarter-mile timer flashing up in :29.3.
Heading to the half Todd Whitney moved Gemini Eddie off the pylons from fourth position as the half was reached in 1:00.3 and they challenged for the lead. Masster Blue was still strong and showed the way by the three-quarters in 1:30.4. In the lane Gemini Eddie faded as My Big Kadillac applied pressure but Masster Blue rebuffed his competitor and charged home a 1-1/2 length winner. My Big Kadillac was second best and Allindotime rallied from far back for the show dough.
"I never left with Masster Blue before but once he was on the lead he was tough and he charged home a confident winner," Verruso said.
Masster Blue is an eight-year-old Muscle Mass gelding and is owned by his trainer, John Novello.
(AHDC)