by David Krepow, for the American Harness Drivers Club

Cherry Hill, NJ — Tenafly, New Jersey’s David Yarock, steering Benzorama A, easily overtook pacesetters Brad Rathbone and Do You Really to take home the victory in the fifth and final preliminary leg of the American Harness Drivers Club’s 2010 Spring Pacing Series on Friday, April 30, at Freehold Raceway.

For Yarock, a financial and estate planning specialist for the Financial Access Network, it was his first victory in three spring series starts.

With sunny blue skies and temperatures in the low 70s, seven pacers and amateur drivers met starter Bob Blum at the gate.

As the field approached the three-quarter mark, Rathbone and Do You Really were enjoying a three length lead and appeared to be on the verge of bottoming out the field. Dr. Karyn Malinowski, steering her own Hugme Christi, and John Regina, suffering a first-over trip with Trappers Treat, were struggling just to keep the leaders within sight.

Suddenly, Trappers Treat began to back through the field as the overland trip had taken its toll. Yarock seized the opportunity and pulled Benzorama A to the outside into the spot vacated by Regina. In a few, quick pacing strides, he sailed beyond Malinowski and was taking dead aim on Rathbone.

Wheeling into the turn, Yarock had Benzorama A moving like a winner as Rathbone’s once comfortable advantage had all but disappeared. By the time they reached the head of the stretch, they were on even terms.

At the top of the lane, all signs pointed to a classic fight to the finish between Yarock and Rathbone. However, Do You Really had little left in the tank and was no match for Benzorama A. Without as much as raising his whip, Yarock made quick work of the battle and easily drew clear. Benzorama A waltzed home and hit the wire two lengths to the good, with Yarock visibly enjoying the ride. Rathbone and Do You Really hung on for second while a late rally by Seas In Me was good enough to give Miguel Lopez the show dough. Time of the mile was 1:59.3 after fractions of :29.2, :59.2 and 1:29.4.

Karyn Malinowski and Hugme Christi were fourth, followed in fifth by Neil Goldstein with Walkinandlaughin. Regina and Trappers Treat and George Munniksma and It Fits rounded out the field.

The drivers will now move on to the Meadowlands as the AHDC will present the 2010 Spring Pacing Series Final (date and purse to be announced).

For more information, check out the official website of the American Harness Drivers Club at www.ahdcracing.com.