Sunday’s (Dec. 22) American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) races at Harrah’s Philadelphia featured three $7,500 divisions, each producing a different winner, showcasing varied strategies and standout performances.
In the opening division of the AHDC Pace, Yogi Sheridan guided The Will To Play to a comfortable victory. Sheridan set a sharp tempo with fractions of :27.3, :56.2, and 1:24.2 before cruising to a 2-1/4-length win. Six Feet Apart finished second, followed by Yer So Bad and Wilsons Vinner. Trained by Izzy Estrada and owned by Estrada Racing LLC, The Will To Play paid $3.20 to win.
The AHDC Trot division saw an upset as Steven Reisenweaver drove 54-1 longshot Gatsby to a pillar-to-post victory in 1:59.3. Gatsby held off challenges from Puddin N Pie, Big Nudge, and Archibald. Reisenweaver, who also owns and trains Gatsby, saw his gelding return $111 for the win.
Tony Beltrami completed the trio of winners with a tactical drive aboard Speed Snip in the final AHDC division. Tracking the pace set by favourite Badditude, Beltrami surged past in the stretch to claim a 2-3/4-length victory in 1:55.1. Master Miki and Badditude rounded out the top three. Speed Snip, trained by Maria Alvarez and owned by Terrence Smith and Paul Parks, paid $6.60 to win.
The AHDC series continues Saturday, Dec. 28, at Freehold Raceway with the $15,000 Trotting Series Final and a $10,000 consolation. The post time is set for 12:30 p.m. (EST).