Chief Justice easy winner in AHDC Trot

Freehold, NJ — Harness racing amateur driver Tony Beltrami sat back off the early pace then rallied Chief Justice three deep up the backside and collared the pacesetter, Fiji (Dave Offenberg) at the top of the lane and then went on to a 2-1/2 length victory in 1:58.3 in the $9,000 American Harness Drivers Club trot today at Freehold Raceway.

When the wings of the gate folded My Big Kadillac (Mike Polanski) and Fiji went for the lead with the latter gaining command after the first quarter was trotted in :28.4.

Once on top Offenberg opened a three-length lead when he passed the halfway point in :58.3. When Offenberg grabbed leather Beltrami moved Chief Justice off the pylons and headed for the lead.

He had to go three-deep up the backside to have a shot at the leader and with a burst of speed he gained command on the final turn and in the lane Beltrami’s trotter opened daylight and zipped home beating Fiji with. My Big Kadillac third.

CHIEF JUSTICE REPLAY

Chief Justice, a 7-year-old Justice Hall gelding, is owned by JMF Racing and trained by Paul Fusco. He paid $10.20 for the win.

For full race results, click here. 

by John Manzi, for the AHDC