by john manzi, for NAADA
Yonkers, NY—Joe
Faraldo is a happy man tonight. And why shouldn't he be? After all, he came
from Arcadia, California at midnight last evening and winged his way to New
York precisely to drive in an amateur trot tonight, (Tuesday April 4) at
Yonkers Raceway. And his efforts were rewarded with a gate to wire 2:01.2
triumph behind Tough Get Going in the second race on the betting card.
“I had meetings in
California all this week but I wanted to get back east to compete in NAADA's
initial contest this season on the betting card at Yonkers,” Faraldo said. “And
it was no easy task. I caught the “red eye” last night at midnight (California
time) and tried to get got a few winks on the way home. We landed at JFK at 9
am today and I got an hour sleep at home before heading to my office.
“I was washed out but
someone told me to drink lots of water which I did and believe it or not it
refreshed me.”
Faraldo and his trusty
charge were ready to take on the other five in the six-horse contest and both
horse and driver were at the top of their game this evening. “Smokin' Joe” sent
the Kadabra 6 year old gelding to the lead from the five-hole and they had
command before the first quarter timer flashed :29.4.
Once on the engine they
traveled past the half in :1:01.3 and three quarters in 1:30.4 being chased by
Wygant Prince and driver Paul Minore. When the field headed for paydirt Tough
Get Going was strong and he rambled home an easy 2-1/2-length winner. Wygant
Prince held on for second while Fiji and driver Dave Offenberg grabbed the show
dough.
The winner is co-owned by
trainer Richie Banca and Faraldo. Notching his first victory of the 2019 season
Tough Get Gong paid $12.80.
At series end the three
drivers with the most points will vie for an all-expense paid trip to represent
NAADA in an amateur series in Italy later this year.
