A field of eight has signed up to do battle in Freehold Raceway's first Preferred Handicap Trot of the year this Friday (Jan. 3). The headliners are the top two finishers from last week's Preferred: Inukchuk Chuck and Money Maven.

Inukchuk Chuck won at the level last week, blasting off from post position three and cruising to a 3-1/2 length win in 1:57. Two weeks ago, he finished third in the Preferred. He was assigned post position seven this week as he seeks to turn in another strong performance in Freehold's top class. Joe Bongiorno retains the drive for trainer Nick Surick.

Money Maven was assigned directly to his outside, off a runner-up finish at the class last week. Sent off as the 4-5 favourite, he was wide most of the way, but still rallied well for second, one length clear of third. Andy Miller will drive for his wife, trainer Julie Miller.

Taylor Gower will send out two entrants: Mugshot Jess and Boots N Chains. Mugshot Jess is known as a lover of Freehold: all five of his 2019 wins came at that track, including three Preferred victories. He'll leave from post position two. Boots N Chains was most recently sixth in the Preferred, a race where he had a difficult outside grind. Pat Berry will steer from post position four.

Caviar Star, River Otter, Abbies Celticlass, and Barney Mac complete the ensemble. The race is scheduled as the seventh race on the nine-race program.

The first of those nine races at Freehold on Friday will be at 12:30 p.m. EST.

(Freehold Raceway)