by John Manzi, for the NAADA

Monticello, NY — The weather was terrible with the winds howling and rain falling but it didn’t deter Tony Verruso from winning the fourth leg of the North American Amateur Drivers Association’s Trotting Series with American Hot Rod at Yonkers Raceway on Thursday evening (Oct. 27).

Verruso, subbing for Joe Faraldo, sent American Hot Rod to the lead from post three in the short five-horse field and with no early challenges they stole a 1:04.2 first half.

At or near that point Bob Krivelin and Ace High Hall moved to the outside and towards the leader. Then a raced ensued between the two trotters and they traveled a :29 third quarter but American Hot Rod was the stronger horse and in the stretch the 5-year-old American Winner gelding trotted clear to score a two length, 2:03.3 triumph. Peter Gerry and Drill Sergeant Sam rallied late to collar Ace High Hall for second money.

The winner is owned by Joe Faraldo, Irving Bork and Debra Hoadley and trained by Stephen Reid. It was Verruso’s first start and first victory in the NAADA Series.

With one more leg scheduled at Monticello Raceway on Nov. 3, the drivers with the most points earned in the series will be eligible to compete in the $12,000 final on Nov. 10 at Yonkers Raceway.