Patience was a virtue for Drazzmatazz, as he waited for the right moment and capitalized to win the Preferred Handicap Trot at Freehold Raceway on Friday (May 7) in an upset.
Off a win in the American Harness Drivers Club amateur trot last week, Drazzmatazz was sent off at 10-1 in the six-horse Preferred Handicap field. Luke Hanners kept his drive in the pocket early, letting Windsong Pioneer set fast fractions of :27.2 and :57 right in front of him. Heading towards three-quarters, Windsong Pioneer opened up a bit, but Hanners continued to rate with Drazzmatazz. He drew a bit closer as they turned for home, but Windsong Pioneer remained in front with favored Obrigado looming first-over. In the stretch, the passing lane opened up for Drazzmatazz, and he shot through and took charge. He crossed the line a neck in front in 1:55.3, a new lifetime mark. Windsong Pioneer held on for second, while Obrigado was third. Top Flight Angel, Winneress and Allindotime completed the order of finish.