Lucky Matter snags AHDC trot at Freehold

FREEHOLD, N.J.— A scant difference of a nostril made John Calabrese and his charge Lucky Matter (Explosive Matter) the victor of the $9,000 American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) harness racing trot at Freehold Raceway on Saturday afternoon (Feb. 3).

Leaving from post 2, Calabrese took back with Lucky Matter while Trump This (driven by Neil Glasser) vaulted from post 5 for the lead into a :29.1 opening quarter. Fomor (James Slendorn), securing the pocket, then came after Trump This and circled to the lead before a 1:01 half.

As Fomor vacated his pocket spot, odds-on favorite Lionhead (Yogi Sheridan) also began angling off the cones and soon provided cover to the overland Lucky Matter. Lionhead led the attack on Fomor to the backside and maintained steady pressure on the leader to three-quarters in 1:31.2. Fomor gave in to Lionhead’s pressure through the final turn while Lucky Matter swelled off the helmet and gathered his momentum for the stretch drive.

Lionhead surged to the lead in the stretch but could not wade Lucky Matter’s steam as he overhauled the late-leader for the win. Dark Pool (Tony Beltrami) snagged third while Winneress (Anthony Verruso) followed the live cover to take fourth.

LUCKY MATTER REPLAY

Harold Herrara conditions Lucky Matter, a 10-year-old gelding, for Rosa Barrera and James Jacobs. He paid $11.20 to win.

AHDC action resumes at Freehold Raceway next Saturday (Feb. 10). First-race post time at Freehold is 12:30 p.m. (EST).

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

by Ray Cotolo, for AHDC