Freehold, NJ — Jake Stillwell bided his time with Dark Pool and then rallied the veteran trotter to a one length victory in the $9,000 American Harness Drivers Club trot on Saturday (Jan. 22) at Freehold Raceway.

In a race where the early leaders were not challenged, Joe Faraldo showed the way with Gemini Eddie as they led the field by the first stanza in a soft :30. Bob Hechkoff was the first to move when he angled Southwind Frost to the outside when the field headed to the half as the timer flashed 1:00.3. They rallied alongside Gemini Eddie and the two raced as a team by the three-quarters in 1:30.4, but Faraldo’s charge got first call as they rounded the final turn and headed for pay dirt.

Meanwhile, Sillwell and Dark Pool were lavishing leisurely in sixth position until the three-quarters, but when they rounded the final turn Dark Pool was the strongest horse. He zipped by the leaders and played catch me if you can, and no one could as the veteran Cantab Hall 9-year-old gelding chugged home a one length winner. It took a photo to determine that Southwind Frost was a nose better than Gemini Eddie and he garnered the place money while Gemini Eddie had to settle for the show dough.

Dark Pool is owned by Barry Franklin and trained by Paul Fusco. Sent off as second choice in the eight-horse field, he paid $7.00 to win.