Inukchuk Chuck began his 2020 season the same way he ended his 2019 campaign: with a win in the Freehold Raceway Preferred Trot. He scored in the Friday (Jan. 3) feature race by three-and-a-quarter lengths, stopping the clock in 1:58 over a "sloppy" track.

Just like last week, driver Joe Bongiorno blasted him to the lead and cleared as soon as he could. The early tempo was slow: the quarter went in :29.2 while the half mile fraction went in :59.3. Favoured Money Maven moved first over just before the half and applied serious pressure to "Chuck" as they neared three-quarters. However, the leader easily dismissed the challenge and pulled away down the stretch for a convincing victory.

Inukchuk Chuck is owned by Cliff Grundy and trained by Nick Surick. He won 11 times in 2019, while earning more than $63,000. For his career he's accrued 22 victories and earned more than $230,000.

Abbies Celticlass got up for second over Money Maven at 10-1. Caviar Star, River Otter, Mugshot Jess, Barney Mac, and Boots N Chains rounded out the order of finish.

Live racing continues at Freehold on Saturday, Jan. 4 with a 10-race program beginning at 12:30 p.m. (EST).

(Freehold Raceway)