by John Manzi, for the NAADA

Monticello, NY — The third leg of the North American Amateur Drivers Association’s Charity Trotting Series saw Anthony Verruso take advantage of racing luck and a blowing wind to rally his 7-year-old trotting mare Sam’s Honeybee to a 1-1/2 length triumph over six others at Freehold Raceway on Saturday afternoon (March 23).

And according to the winning driver the wind played a role in his victory.

“The wind was pretty strong that day and it was blowing in the faces of the horses as they headed for home. And it was that wind that helped me make a winning move,” Verruso explained.

“The winds were at our backs as we headed for the three-quarters and it was because of the wind I made up my mind to challenge for the lead on the straightaway. It worked out well, too, because at that point Dave (Offenberg on the lead with favored Whatnblazes) was attempting to give his horse a breather and when I moved my mare she cleared before the final turn. From there I believe the head-wind in the lane helped us remain in control, but still Sam’s Honeybee had to trot a :29.3 final quarter to hold on for the win.”

Offenberg and Whatnblazes was a nose better than third place finisher For Goodness Lindy, driven by Paul Minore.

Carl Gillespie trains Sam’s Honeybee for Verruso, her proud owner. She paid $12.80 for win.

The Freehold race was the third preliminary leg of the three-track trotting series which began at Monticello Raceway on Feb. 21 and when it ends in mid-May at Yonkers Raceway the NAADA Series will again donate money to a worthwhile charity.