by John Manzi, for NAADA
Yonkers, NY—After 10
grueling legs of the North American Amateur Drivers Association's Spring
Trotting Series the $15,0000 final was presented on the betting card at Yonkers
Raceway on Thursday, May 23 and when the judges hung the official sign, series
founder and its president Joe Faraldo was victorious after guiding Tough Get
Going to a 1:59. 4 triumph in wire to wire fashion.
“When the gate sprung I kept
my eyes on the rail horse (Figi-Dave Offenberg) but he got away slowly so I
hustled my horse to the front and we had command on the first turn,” Faraldo
said via telephone after the race. “But as soon as I had the lead Joe Lee, with
the odds-on favorite, Soul Train, came calling on the outside and we passed the
first quarter in :28.3. I knew at that point I couldn't let him go so we locked
horns by the half in :57.4.”
After the swift early
fractions Joe Lee found room behind Faraldo as they headed for the three
quarters and they were one-two past that stanza in 1:27.4. Not being able to
gain any ground on Tough Get Going Lee had little choice but to follow the
leader and on the final turn they were joined by Bob Krivelin with Permanent
Joy. But there was no catching Faraldo as his trotter cruised home a 2-1/2
length winner. Soul Train finished second and Permanent Joy was a half length
farther back in third place.
Tough Get Going is co-owned
by Faraldo and trainer, Richie Banca. He paid $15.00.
It was Faraldo's 148th
driving victory in the States to go along with a handful in Europe.
Currently Faraldo, Alan
Schwartz and a NAADA member to be named, will be winging their way to Italy in
July for an international driving competition.
