by John Manzi for the AHDC
Northeast Philadelphia, Pa.--The day was clear, the track was fast, and Tony Beltrami scored another driving victory today when he sent Innisfallen to the lead when the wings of the mobile gate folded and then proceeded to make every pole a winning one en route to an oh-so-easy five -length triumph in the$9,900 American Harness Drivers Club trot today at Harrah's Philadelphia.
They turned back five others to score a 1:56.1
victory in the series first attempt in northeast Philadelphia
Sent off as the 3-5 favorite from the five hole Beltrami knew he had the best horse in the race and when one knows that he's the best the front end is the most advantageous place to be.
It took a steppy :27.4 first panel to gain command but it didn't phase Innisfallen. Once on top he began to open daylight on his competitors at the half Beltrami had a two length lead on Bob Hechkoff's, River Otter. As Innisfallen neared the three quarters he began to open daylight on the short field and when he turned for home Beltrami had to look back to notice Winneress and driver Tony Verruso had trotted by River Otter and was now second. But it was all academic as Innisfallen cruised to a 5-1/2 length triumph over Winneress River Otter hold on for third money.
As the odds-on favorite, Innisfallen, a 5-year old Explosive Matter gelding, paid a paltry $3.40 for win. He is owned by Paul Fusco and Bramdeo Singh and trained by Paul Fusco.
