Bronskimackenzie A grabbed cover and closed off a slingshot move to win Freehold Raceway's Friday (March 6) feature, the Fillies & Mares Preferred Handicap Pace.

Sent off at 5/1 in the seven-horse field, driver Eric Abbatiello had her in midpack early on, then began to peek to the outside as they neared the half-mile point. It looked as if he would send her first-over, but when Jim Marshall pulled with When Sharks Fly, Abbatiello elected to sit second-over.

The move worked like a charm. Nearing three-quarters, with When Sharks Fly head-to-head with early leader Sues Night Out, Bronskimackenzie A was angled three-wide and moved to the lead easily. She pulled clear in the stretch to win by 1 1/2 lengths, stopping the clock in 1:58 over a good track.

When Sharks Fly held on for second, while Faithful Desire rallied wide and finished third. Last Flight In N, Sues Night Out, Askmysecretary, and Fear My Shadow completed the order of finish.

That's the third win of the year for this Australian mare, adding to victories at Freehold and Yonkers earlier in the season. In her career, she's won ten races from 53 starts, and earned almost $95,000. Tahnee Camilleri is the winning owner and trainer.

Bronskimackenzie's win was one of three for Abbatiello on the Friday card. He also won the first race with Bruce Lauer's Always As Fast, as well as the fifth race driving R Sam for owner/trainer Stefan Dorosz.

Live harness racing continues at Freehold on Saturday, with a scheduled first post time of 12:30 p.m.

(Freehold)