Yonkers, NY — Scott Keppler conquered off a first-over grind and Anthony Verruso led pillar-to-post to take their respective $10,000 divisions for the North American Amateur Driving Association (NAADA) Trot at MGM Yonkers Raceway on a non-betting card before pari-mutuel action Thursday night (July 27).
In the first division, Keppler rolled Cyclone Maximus along the rim and grabbed a half-length victory in 2:01.4. Keppler settled into fourth from the pylon post as Classy Guy (driven by Newton “Yogi” Sheridan) shot for the top to a :30.2 first quarter. Facing no pressure towards the finish line first time, Classy Guy squeeked a half in 1:02.4 while Keppler kicked Cyclone Maximus off the pegs and started marching uncovered after the leader. Cyclone Maximus loomed nearer to the leader at three-quarters in 1:32.1 and then powered to the lead when straightening for home. Reel Em In (Alan Schwartz) rallied off a pocket ride but settled for second with Classy Guy third and Winneress (Anthony Verruso) fourth.
Nancy Montembeault trains Cyclone Maximus, a 9-year-old gelding by Duke’s Ranger, for owner Joe Ricco Jr.
Verruso placed Call Me Thefireman on the point and clung to a 2:00 victory in the other division. Call Me Thefireman pocketed Drazzmatazz to a :28.3 first quarter and snagged a breather to a :59.3 half, at which point Fair Glider (Joe Lee) pulled first-over but stalled on the outside to the backside. The field began stacking behind Call Me Thefireman past three-quarters in 1:29.3, and Raceace (Alan Schwartz) came barreling around tired cover to mount a challenge through the lane. Call Me Thefireman held firm to the finish, keeping a nose up on rallying Raceace with Turbochargedpete (Joe Faraldo) taking third and Drazzmatazz back fourth.
Andrew Adamczyk trains Call Me Thefireman, a 7-year-old gelding by Wishing Stone, for owner-driver Verruso.
NAADA action resumes next Thursday night (Aug. 3) at Yonkers with the last preliminary for the Summer Series. The NAADA Summer Series will feature a consolation at Monticello Raceway on Aug. 9 and a final at Yonkers on Aug. 10.