In the first event, Mike Weiner of the USA team used the
front-end route with Look Shark Jack to score a hard- earned
victory in 2:00.2 after being pressured the entire mile. When Gerry
Fielding (USA) finished second with Big Game and Dave Siegel (USA) finished
third with Satin Sweetheart the Yanks had finished one, two, three and were off
to a grandiose start.
The best finish by a Kiwi member in that race was when
former World Cup of Amateur Racing 2008 Champion Gavin Cook got Hi Hopes
Cruiser home for fourth money and points.
Look Sharp Jack, trained by Rock Vinci for lessee - Gray
Thunder Stable, paid $13.80 for win.
In the second race of the competition, Alan Schwartz
(USA) made a laugher out of it when his charge Toucam Sam raced of to a nine
length victory in a time of 1:56.2. Mike Weiner (USA) was second
best with Smooth Eric N while John McDermott (New Zealand) got up for the show
dough—and points.
Toucam Sam is owned by the Baron Racing Stable and trained
by Pete Pellegrino. The pacer returned a $3.00 win payoff.
The Kiwis will be looking to make up ground in the second
leg of the international amateur driving competition when two races are contested
tonight , Thursday September 7 at Yonkers Raceway. They’ll go as races one and
four on the betting card.
The Kiwi team of Gavin Cook, Danny Blakemore, John
McDermott and Tim Sissions will remain constant throughout the
competition but the Yanks team will vary from track to track.
Driving for the Yanks at Yonkers Raceway on Thursday are Joe
Faraldo, Dave Siegel, Peter Gerry and Bob Hechkoff.
Four different members of NAADA will drive against the New
Zealanders at Freehold Raceway on Friday afternoon, September 7.
