Yonkers, NY – The Italy/USA Friendship Competition kicked off at Yonkers Raceway Friday (Aug. 5) with Italy’s Daniele Orsini winning with Hobbs in 1:57.3. And Italy’s Maurisio Biasuzzi finished second giving the visiting Italians a solid point-lead in the three-race competition.

In that $20,000 contest USA’s Bob Krivelin zipped to the lead with Crews Hilltopper and had Hobbs hung on the limb as they trotted by the quarter in :28.3. The lead remained the same as they passed the half in :58.1. Hobbs was still on the outside when they trotted by the three quarters in 1:27.4 but just a nose behind Krivelin’s trotter when they turned for home.

In the lane Hobbs, despite racing the entire way on the outside, began to draw clear and in the deep stretch he opened a two-length lead which he carried all the way to the wire. Winneress rallied late to finish second for Maurizo Biasuzzi. Hoolie N Hector finished third for Italy’s Roberto Giannoni but was disqualfied for a racing infraction which allowed Crews Hilltopper to gain the show dough.

The race winner is owned by the Stratton Stable Inc. and Stratton Racing Inc. and trained by Cory Stratton. He paid $15.60 for the win.

The second event in this three-race competition will again be at Yonkers Raceway on Monday (Aug. 8).