The stars of today and tomorrow were in action at Freehold Raceway this Friday (April 23). Three-year-old filly Hot As Hill took the Lady Suffolk prep, while 12-year-old veteran Meladys Monet won the Preferred Handicap Trot.

A field of six three-year-old fillies competed in a prep for the Lady Suffolk Trot, which will be held next Saturday (May 1). Sent off as the 1-5 favourite, Hot As Hill rated in fourth place in the early stages. As they rounded the third turn, Joe Bongiorno moved Hot As Hill first-over and quickly advanced after the leaders. Pace-setting Izzy Demsky held tough, but as they entered the stretch, Hot As Hill wore her down and drew off to a two-length victory. The final time was 1:58.2.

Hot As Hill is owned by the partnership of Burke Racing Stable, Larry Karr, Knox Services Inc, and J&T Silva, Purnel & Libby. Ron Burke is the winning trainer. Last year, Hot As Hill won twice in the Kindergarten series at The Meadowlands, before finishing fourth in the final. This race marked her season debut. In her career, Hot As Hill has won four times from 14 starts with earnings of more than $85,000.

Izzy Demsky, Spruce Creek, Just Joshing, Victoriana and The Queen B completed the field.

Three races later, an accomplished field of six lined up in the Preferred Handicap Trot. Obrigado, a three-time winner at Freehold this year, was the 1-5 favourite, while Meladys Monet, also a three-time winner this season at the central Jersey oval, was the 4-1 second choice. Despite the public's doubts, Meladys Monet prevailed by 1-1/4 lengths.

Leaving from the outside post position, Eric Abbatiello put Meladys Monet on the lead, but Dan Dubé immediately retook control with Obrigado. Abbatiello decided to sit patiently in the pocket while Obrigado cruised on the lead.

As they entered the stretch, Abbatiello ripped Meladys Monet out of the pocket, and he surged by Obrigado and won. The final time was 1:55.3.

Meladys Monet has now won four races in a row, and seven of 12 on the year. His earnings on the year are now more than $61,000, with lifetime earnings nearing $1.8 million.

Armagedon Seelster got up for second, while Obrigado held third. Warrawee Roo, Casino Cutie IT and Winneress rounded out the order of finish.

Live racing at Freehold continues on Saturday (April 24), with a giant 14-race card starting at 12:30 p.m. The program includes the elimination for the Dexter Cup, scheduled as the 11th race.

(Freehold Raceway)