Explosive Ridge, By A Hoff Hanover take NAADA opener at Yonkers

YONKERS, N.Y.— Andrew Adamczyk powered first over and James Slendorn led his peers down the road to take their respective $13,100 harness racing divisions for the North American Amateur Drivers Association (NAADA) Spring Series opener at Yonkers Raceway on Thursday night (March 14).

Adamczyk muscled Explosive Ridge (Explosive Matter) through a final turn blitz to a head win in the non-wagering division before the pari-mutuel card.

Starting from post 3, Explosive Ridge floated away third to leave Raceace (driven by Alan Schwartz) on the helm with pylon-starter Empereurthebest FR (James Slendorn) in the pocket to a :28.4 first quarter. Skyway Professor (Matt Zuccarello) sat stuck on the rim into the second turn and attempted to gain uncovered into a :58.3 but started a retreat in the move up the backside.

As Raceace began scooting away on the lead, Adamczyk launched Explosive Ridge off the pegs and reeled in the pacesetter past three-quarters in 1:28.3. Explosive Ridge kept charging into the homestretch and collared Raceace at the beam by a neck in a 1:59.2 mile. Empereurthebest FR finished third, another four lengths behind, with Judge Ken (Jacob Stillwell) sitting a pylon trip for fourth.

Explosive Ridge, a 10-year-old gelding, competes for owner-trainer Andrew Adamczyk.

In the pari-mutuel division, James Slendorn seized command with By A Hoff Hanover (Donato Hanover) and strolled in a 2:00.4 winner.

Slendorn sent By A Hoff Hanover for the front out of post 5 and took control from Southwind Larado (Robert Ciavardini) past a :28.2 first quarter. Muscle Dan (Tony Ciuffetelli) raced parked into the turn and marched uncovered before stalling at a :58.4 half. Slendorn kept the field to his back moving to three-quarters in 1:29.1 and spun for home a confident winner over Southwind Larado by a length. Call Me Thefireman (Anthony Verruso) sat a pylon trip to take third and Making Sparks (Joe Lee) rallied from off cover to take fourth.

Mark Ford trains By A Hoff Hanover, a 6-year-old gelding, for owners George and Rose Bonomo. Off the post-time favorite, he paid $5.90 to win.

BY A HOFF HANOVER REPLAY

The second leg for the NAADA Spring Series will take place at Yonkers Raceway next Thursday (March 21). The NAADA Spring Series totals 10 preliminaries leading to the final on Thursday, May 23 at Yonkers Raceway. First-race post time at Yonkers is 7 p.m. (EDT).

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Ray Cotolo, for NAADA