Freehold, NJ — John James Urbanski earned his first victory from the sulky seat and Yogi Sheridan stayed steady at 11-1 to win in their respective $7,500 divisions of the American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) Trot at Freehold Raceway on Saturday (Sept. 14).
Urbanski became a maiden no more with a front-stepping effort by Real Mccoy, winning at 10-1 in 1:59.4.
Leaving from post two, Urbanski pushed Real Mccoy for the lead and refused to yield as Dwight Hanover (driven by Bob Hechkoff) pressed forward first over. The pair engaged in battle to a :29.1 first quarter and through a :59.2 half, but Dwight Hanover grew weary from the wide trip and began to retreat in the backside.
Real Mccoy continued on the point to three-quarters in 1:30 and spun for home with an increasing smirk from Urbanski as the tandem coasted over the line two lengths better than pocket-chaser and 6-5 favorite Winneress (Anthony Verruso). Bangin In The Hall (Paul Minore) closed from near last for third and Brownie (Mike Polansky) also closed for fourth.
Owned and trained by John James Urbanski, Real Mccoy is a 7-year-old gelding by Better Caviar. He paid $23.20 to win.
Yogi Sheridan added another AHDC tally with a front-stepping win by Lionhead in the other AHDC division.
Sheridan cleared command from Peter’s Royalty (Tony Beltrami) past a :29.1 first quarter. Peter’s Royalty broke stride moving to the :59 half, but quickly recovered to race from the death seat and pester Lionhead to three-quarters in 1:29.1.
Lionhead easily repelled that challenge and fended off a late push from pocket-sitter Pilsner Frosty (Paul Minore) in the stretch to win by three-quarter lengths in 1:59.4. Hunters Gal (William Clark Jr.) saved ground for third and Fashion Ken (Bob Hechkoff), the 8-5 favorite, finished fourth.
Terry Morgan owns and trains Lionhead, an 8-year-old gelding by Uncle Peter. He paid $24.60 to win.
AHDC action continues with pacing divisions at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Sunday (Sept. 15) with a first-race post time of 12:40 p.m. (EDT). The AHDC Trotting Series will shift to Pocono Downs next Saturday (Sept. 21).