by John Manzi, for the NAADA

Monticello, NY — Bob Krivelin’s trotter made enough points to allow them to start in the $12,000 final of the North American Amateur Drivers Association’s Trotting Series on Thursday (Nov. 10) at Yonkers, but Krivelin’s Ace High Hall had been entered to race in the Billings Series this coming Monday (Nov. 14) and he didn’t want to race his horse back again so soon.

But Krivelin picked-up a drive in the NAADA Series final behind American Hot Rod and won the event at Yonkers Raceway in a time of 2:02.2.

Tom Berg photo

Bob Krivelin and American Hot Rod never had an anxious moment in a 2:02.2 victory in the NAADA final.

Although Krivelin’s driving victory was appreciated by many, arguably the most appreciative were Joe Faraldo, Irving Beck and Deborah Hoadley, the co-owners of American Hot Rod, because it was the third victory in the series for the horse and each time a different driver was at the helm. Faraldo won a $4,000 preliminary leg on Oct. 13 and Tony Verruso won a $4,000 prelim with American Hot Rod on Oct. 27.

When neither Faraldo nor Verruso were available, trainer Stephen Reid got Krivelin to handle the trotter and the experienced and accomplished amateur driver sat a pocket trip and moved late to score a 1-1/2 length triumph with American Hot Rod.

“I was the owner’s fourth choice but the trainer’s second choice to drive American Hot Rod in the final,” Krivelin joked, but then added seriously, “The horse is perfect gaited and a pleasure to drive. I was confident that we’d win and we never had a an anxious moment.”

In the race Special Eddie and driver Tony Verruso were out and challenging the pacesetter Uni-Optic Man and driver Dave Yarock as the field headed for the halfway point. Krivelin and Amerian Hot Rod, in behind the pacesetter, sat chilly and waited for the homestretch. However when Uni-Optic Man made a break at the top of the lane it gave American Hot Rod clearance down the lightning lane and the trotter rambled to his third consecutive victory.

Special Eddie, out a long way, tired and had to settle for second money. Beach Vacation, driven by Gerry Fielding, came from seventh at the three-quarters to take home the show dough.

Co-owner and NAADA president Joe Faraldo was also a happy man.

“I’m over completely overjoyed with American Hot Rod’s victory but I wish I could have driven him myself,” Faraldo said. “I didn’t drive because I only started once in the series and my one win didn’t give me enough points to make the final.”

Faraldo also confirmed that the amateur driving club will present a $5,000 check to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation trackside at Yonkers Raceway on Thursday (Nov. 17).

“It will be with great pleasure that we will again donate to the JDF and it’s a testament to all the drivers who competed in the series who gave up their percentages to make this donation,” Faraldo explained.

After the victory Faraldo enjoyed a good cigar and took Krivelin and Verruso to dinner at Tra di Noi, a top Italian restaurant on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx.

“After all, amateur racing is a good excuse for human relations,” Faraldo added.