Even money favourites prevailed in the two $9,000 American Harness Drivers Club trots at Freehold Raceway on Saturday (May 29). Tony Beltrami won his division with Keystone Orion in 2:00.4 and Bob Hechkoff scored with Southern Frost in 2:00.3 in the other. Both events were contested over a sloppy race track and both winners went wire-to-wire in their respective splits.
In the first division, Keystone Orion set sails from the two-hole and Beltrami had him well in command the entire mile.
With no challenges Keystone Orion breezed by the quarter in :29.3. Chip Allen and Swipe Right were the first to move as the field headed for the half. Keystone Orion hit the half in 1:00.4, and was well in command as they trotted by the three-quarters in 1:30.4. Although Swipe Right moved out to challenge the leader, Keystone Orion put it in another gear and opened daylight and cruised home a two-length winner. Presidente Zette took home the show dough for Joe Faraldo.
The winner, a 12-year-old Angus Hall gelding, is owned by Fabiola Quevedo and trained by Edwin Quevedo. He paid $4.00 for win.
In the second division Southwind Frost proved too much for his competition. Hechkoff sent him to the lead early and forced a challenging Fiji (Dave Offenberg) to find a seat before the :29.1 first quarter.
Once in complete control Hechkoff and his charge cruised by the half in 1:00.3 and they were still alone as they trotted by the three quarters in 1:30.4. Heading for home only the margin of victory was in doubt and when Southwind Frost crossed the finish line he was a 2-3/4 length winner. Fiji followed the leader home for the place money while Dawn Anderson hustled Take A Wish home for the show dough.
Southwind Frost is owned by Hechkoff's R.B.H. Ventures and trained by Vincent Stallworth. He returned a $4.00 win mutuel.
(AHDC)