Wilkes-Barre, PA — Things sometimes happen in bunches and that certainly was the case for Silvermass Volo and driver Maria de Bruijn. As Sunday’s (Aug. 8) winner of the AHDC amateur trot at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, Silvermass Volo won his first race in two years, leading the field past the wire in 1:56.3. But to top that, it was de Bruijn’s first lifetime win as a driver.

As is often the case in the amateur trot, there was plenty of early speed when the gate sprung. Ursis Des Callions and Tony Ciuffetelli rushed to the lead from post two, quickly seating Hititoutofthepark, guided by Steve Oldford, into the pocket spot. Sweet Heart AS with Linda Schadel was forced to drop into fourth, leaving just French Moni with Paul Minore to challenge the leader at the quarter pole. And when he came knocking, there was no answer as Ciuffetelli was intent on keeping the front end all to himself.

Heading past the half and up the backside, Ursis Des Callions was traveling along smoothly, but then as French Moni, who was parked the entire way started to fade, de Bruijn squeezed Silvermass Volo off the pylons and began a strong first over bid that the leader had no answers for.

The winner cleared to the lead at the top of the stretch and had no anxious moments on the way to victory. Ursis Des Callions was able to hold off a late charging Cimeronken with David Glasser for the place spot.

Silvermass Volo was making only his fourth start of the season and won following two strong third place finishes from outside posts. The winner paid $11.60 to his faithful supporters.

AHDC action returns again next Sunday at Pocono.