Freehold, NJ — As the field in the $9000 American Harness Drivers Club Trot rounded the final turn at Freehold Raceway the pacesetter, Slated To Win, and driver Tony Verruso had command and it appeared that they would be able to do just that. But unfortunately for Verruso, Stinglike ABK and Todd Whitney had other ideas and they rallied in the deep stretch to win the event in 2:00.1. Both horses were longshots in the race and together they combined for a $660.60 exacta.

For Whitney it was his first triumph of the fledgling season and his 158th amateur driving victory.

When the race began Verruso sent his charge to the lead from the three-hole as Whitney angled his trotter to the pylons after starting on the far outside from post eight. From there Verruso set Slated To Win on cruise-control and they showed the way by the quarter in :29 and past the half in :59.3

Meanwhile, Tony Beltrami with the 4-5 shot Broadway Bruiser, who was traveling second over, was forced three-deep as the field approached the three quarters. Broadway Bruiser stalled and Whitney moved out from behind him and they rallied around their cover and up alongside Slated To Win.

When the leaders straightened for home Slated To Win had a short lead but was overtaken by Stinglike ABK who then went on to a 1-1/2 length victory in 2:00.1 on the cold and windy afternoon. Broadway Bruiser garnered the show dough, two lengths behind the winner.

The race winner, a 5-year old son of Andover Hall, is owned by the late Robert Key and trained by Aaron Lambert. He paid $39.40; $19.20; and $8.00 across the board.