Freehold, NJ – Tony Verruso sent Masster Blue to the lead when the wings of the mobile gate folded and proceeded to make every pole a winning one en route to a 2:00.1 victory in the $9,000 AHDC trot at Freehold Raceway Saturday (March 19).

Tony Verruso with Masster Blue won the $9,000 AHDC trot at Freehold Raceway Saturday. Vicki Wright Photo.

Sent off as third choice in the seven-horse field, Masster Blue paid $10.20 for the win.

After starting from  the five hole, Verruso hustled his trotter toward the front and had the lead after Mike Polanski grabbed leather with My Big Kadilac and allowed Verruso and Masster Blue to take command after the quarter-mile timer flashed :29.3.

Heading to the half, Todd Whitney moved Gemini Eddie off the pylons from fourth position as the timer flashed 1:00.3 and they  challenged  for the lead.  But Masster Blue was still strong and showed the way by the three-quarters in 1:30.4.  In the lane, Gemini Eddie faded as My Big Kadillac applied pressure but Master Blue rebuffed his competitor and charged home a 1-1/2 length winner. My Big Kadillac was second best and Allindotime rallied from far back for the show dough.

“I never left with Masster Blue before, but once he was on the lead he was tough and he charged home a confident winner,” Verruso said.

Masster Blue is an 8-year-old Muscle Mass gelding and is owned by his trainer John Novello.