Chester, PA — Tony Verruso has won 23 races this season, but arguably none as important as the $15,000 American Harness Drivers Club final which he captured Sunday (Dec. 26) with his own Winneress at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

“The race broke right for me as I coasted along the pylons until the top of the stretch and then ducked down the passing lane and went on to a 1:59 victory,” Verruso said.

After starting from post four, Verruso was content to be in fourth position as his trotter passed the first stanza in which Matt Zuccarello and Shared Interest A showed the way in :28.1.

With Zuccarello in command as they trotted by the half in :57.4, Verruso was traveling along the pylons and was just 1-1/2 lengths off the leader at the three-quarters as If I Must (Paul Minore) and Dark Pool (Tony Beltrami) battled for command. But it was still Shared Interest A who led the field by the three-quarters in 1:27.2.

“I was watching the leaders battle and was glad the passing lane was in sight,” Verruso said. “And when we headed for home my horse was strong and we zipped by the leaders on the inside and braced for the late challenge from John Calabrese and Shoemaker Hanover. But they fell short.”

Take A Wish (Dawn Anderson) rallied from far back to finish third.

Verruso owns the winner whom he claimed earlier this year. The 7-year-old Credit Winner gelding, trained by Symon Spicer, paid $5.20 for win.