by Chris Lomon

Cody Poliseno is finding out a little confidence can go a long way in the race bike.

The 2023 racing season has indeed been a good one for the New Jersey-born driver who now calls Delaware home.

With just over three months left on the calendar, Poliseno has already posted career-best numbers across the board, including wins and purse earnings.

Pun aside, it’s certainly most appropriate to say that the 29-year-old has hit his best stride.

“It’s definitely been a good year,” said Poliseno, son of trainer/driver Carlo Poliseno. “I think the highlight has to be getting more catch drives. It makes me feel very happy and that I’ve accomplished something. I’ve been able to make a lot of connections with other trainers, which has given me the chance to drive horses other than my dad’s. We have some nice babies coming up, so hopefully that will lead to a stakes start in Delaware.”

All of it has provided Cody, who began his driving career in 2015, with a confidence boost. That said, his everyday approach remains status quo.

“Being out there now, I’m getting a lot more experience in different situations, so you get that education of knowing how to react when something new comes your way,” Cody said. “Previously, I was driving maybe four or five horses a week and I took a little break. I came back and now I’m driving at least four or five horses a night. Repetition definitely helps you become more confident.”

Advice, from a wide range of sources, has been in abundance since Cody started his journey to driving standardbreds.

Some of that advice, including from his father, has stuck with him to this day.

“My dad, he’s always helping me and encouraging me,” Cody said of the man who is closing in on 600 training wins and 500 driving victories. “He likes me to be aggressive out there. If I’m going to leave, I can’t just float, I have to go. He always talks to me after every race and provides some pointers, what I did well and what I can improve on. I’m always happy to listen.”

Cody has found the perfect balance between being too self-critical and not getting ahead of himself.

He expects that trend to continue over time as he looks to solidify his reputation as a proficient horseman, one willing to have an open mind when it comes to his craft.

“I always want to take something away from each drive,” said Cody, whose milestone first win came on Feb. 28, 2015, when he partnered pacer Three Of Spades to victory. “Whether you win, hit the board, or finish last, there is always something you can learn about yourself. Someone can tell you a thousand times what to do or not to do, but you need to be out there to fully understand and appreciate that. So, whatever the outcome is, it’s a valuable lesson going forward.”

Going forward happens to be the direction Cody is heading.

In the short term, his list of goals includes building off a campaign highlighted by personal bests and buying a horse or two of his own.

He also hopes to find himself in the driver’s seat for big races, whether at home or on the road.

“For this year, I definitely want to keep getting more drives,” Cody said. “It’s been good and it’s building, but I want to keep that momentum going. I’d also like to have my own horse or a couple. I just need to find the right price to make that happen. Beyond that, I’d like to be in a big race somewhere. It really doesn’t matter where it is. I’ll be in the stakes races in Delaware, but I’d love to drive in a stakes like the Meadowlands Pace or Hambletonian one day. That would be a dream.”

In a year of far more highs than lows, Cody has learned a great deal about himself and the sport he competes in.

When it comes to self-assessment of his skillset, one particular thought comes to mind.

“Patience is key,” Cody said. “When I first started driving, I would get very anxious and there were moments when I wouldn’t get the result or the trip I wanted. But that has changed. I feel much more comfortable and confident in my decision-making process, when to move, when not to move, and putting myself in the right spot. Being out there, like I said before, that’s what gives you the confidence and helps you learn the things you need to be successful.”

Away from the hustle and bustle of the track and the pressures associated with his career, Cody looks to the great outdoors or a food adventure to take his mind off racing for a few hours.

On any given day, depending on the season, Cody, who lives about an hour’s drive from his parents’ farm, could be catching a wave, rocketing down a hill, or enjoying the catch of the day.

“I live down at the beach, so I love hanging out there,” he said. “It’s always fun and relaxing. I love going surfing and in the winter I will go snowboarding. I also love food. I’m a big foodie. I always find a restaurant that I enjoy. I’m not biased when it comes to trying new things because I love pretty much all food. Sushi would probably be my favorite. As for my cooking skills, my girlfriend is much better at that than I am.”

Working at ways to keep up the momentum he’s built up in 2023 continues to be food for thought for Cody.

Resting on his laurels won’t be an issue.

“It’s been a great year and I hope it keeps going,” he said. “But I know for that to happen I have to keep pushing harder and getting out there so more people can see me and hopefully that will lead to more drives and opportunities. As long as I can keep driving well and keep going forward, I’m hopeful that will happen.”