The Italy/USA Friendship Competition kicked off at Yonkers Raceway tonight with Italy’s Daniele Orsini winning with Hobbs (Credit Winner) in 1:57.3. And Italy’s Maurisio Biasuzzi finished second giving the visiting Italians a solid point-lead in the three race competition.

In that $20,000 contest USA’s Bob Krivelin zipped to the lead with Crews Hilltopper and had Hobbs hung on the limb as they trotted by the quarter in :28.3. The lead remained the same as they passed the half in :58.1. Hobbs was still on the outside when they trotted by the three quarters in 1:27.4 but just a nose behind Krivelin’s trotter when they turned for home.