Freehold, NJ — Patience was a virtue for Drazzmatazz, as he waited for the right moment and capitalized to win the $12,000 Preferred Handicap Trot at Freehold Raceway on Friday (May 7) in an upset.

Drazzmatazz crossed the line a neck in front in 1:55.3, a new lifetime mark. World Wide Racing Photos.

Off a win in the American Harness Drivers’ Club amateur trot last week, Drazzmatazz was sent off at 10-1 in the six-horse Preferred Handicap field.

Luke Hanners kept his drive in the pocket early, letting Windsong Pioneer set fast fractions right in front of him. The opening quarter was a swift :27.2, the first half in :57.

Heading towards three-quarters, Windsong Pioneer opened up a bit, but Hanners continued to rate with Drazzmatazz. He drew a bit closer as they turned for home, but Windsong Pioneer remained in front, with favored Obrigado looming first-over.

In the stretch, the passing lane opened up for Drazzmatazz, and he shot through and took charge. He crossed the line a neck in front in 1:55.3, a new lifetime mark. Windsong Pioneer held on for second, while Obrigado was third.

Drazzmatazz is owned by Danbry Racing Inc. and trained by Vincent Stallworth. He’s now won 24 times from 145 career starts, with earnings of $313,062.

Live racing continues at Freehold on Saturday (May 8), with a 13-race card starting at about 12:30 p.m. There will be a double Pick-5 carryover, starting in race five, worth $1,139.84.