The extended layoff was no deterrent for Capozzo, as he won Freehold Raceway's Saturday (Jan. 18) featured race, the Preferred pace.

Leaving from post position five, he led in the very early stages, but was quickly overtaken by Lucan Hanover. Driver Eric Abbatiello was patient, and kept his drive in the pocket. Lucan Hanover set very slow fractions of :28.3 for a quarter and :58 for a half. All the while, Capozzo stayed just off him on the inside, while rivals began to make wide moves. Turning for home, the passing lane opened for Capozzo, and he shot through to overtake Lucan Hanover and win by half a length. The final time, over a fast but snowy track, was 1:55.2.

This race was Capozzo's first start since November 16. He qualified at Freehold last week, going the mile that day in 1:55.1. That mile showed that he was in top form, and he proved it again in the Preferred. He's owned by Howard Taylor and Thomas Finelli, and trained by Tom Shay. He paid $12.40 to win, $4.80 to place, and $2.60 to show.

Dragonology flew late and got up for second, just beating out stablemate Lucan Hanover. Ginger Tree Marty, Exit Cam, Polak, and Vapour completed the order of finish.

Live harness racing resumes at Freehold on Thursday, starting at 12:30 p.m. The nine-race card has two carryovers: the early pick 4's is $1,864.94, while the pick 5 carryover is $634.94.

(Freehold)