by John Manzi, for the NAADA

Freehold, NJ — The North American Amateur Drivers Association’s winter trotting series got underway at Freehold Raceway on Saturday (Jan. 16) and the very familiar names of Bobby Krivelin and Bob Hechkoff each emerged victorious in their respective divisions.

Krivelin won with the Hero’s Stable’s Permanent Joy in a time of 1:59.1 while Hechkoff’s victory came behind AJ Destiny who toured the Freehold, N.J., half-mile oval in 2:01.2.

Permanent Joy, an 8-year-old altered son of Trot For Joy and a winner of $33,172 last season, went a gutsy trip for Krivelin.

After starting from post three they sped to the lead and rebuffed Alternat Thursdays and driver Bob Hechkoff in a :28.3 first quarter only to get a short breather until Dave Offenberg and Bluebird Kidsqueen took up the challenge as the eight-horse field headed to the halfway point.

With Permanent Joy on the inside and Bluebird Kidsqueen on the outside the two trotters sparred neck and neck by the third stanza which continued even in the deep stretch. However Permanent Joy was up to the task and kept Bluebird Kidsqueen at bay for a head triumph in 1:59.1. Wygant Prince and driver Paul Minore, following the leaders throughout, rambled home for the show dough, two lengths behind the winner.

Permanent Joy is also trained by Krivelin. He returned a $6.60 mutuel to his backers that afternoon.

A second split saw 1-5 favorite A J Destiny jiggy-jog to a 2-1/4 length triumph over James Hathaway’s Bubba’s Jer Bear. After a break at the start, Starsaboveallerage rallied and finished third for Bob Davis in the 2:01.2 clocked mile.

A J Destiny is owned by Hechkoff’s R.B.H. Ventures, Inc. and is trained by Kyle Spagnola. Also a winner of more than $33,000 last year, A J Destiny paid $2.40 for win.

The winter NAADA series will encompass 12 legs and a $15,000 final at Yonkers Raceway on Thursday (April 7). Besides Yonkers and Freehold Raceways, events will also be contested at Monticello Raceway during the duration of the NAADA series.

Next event along the road to the finale will again be at Freehold on Saturday (Jan. 23) followed by races at Monticello Raceway on Thursday (Jan. 28).

For more information on the NAADA Series please contact Joe Faraldo (718.544.6800) or Alan Schwartz (845.292.8128).