Since starting his own stable in 2019, Izzy Estrada has become one of the top trainers at Freehold Raceway. He had a big day on Saturday (Nov. 27), as he tries to lock down the leading trainer title.

Estrada won with his first two horses of the day, taking Race 3 with heavy favourite Amrcanbootscoota A, then prevailing in Race 4 in a three-horse photo with Fast N Victorious. Luke Hanners had the winning drive on both horses.

After defeats in the fifth and sixth, Estrada bounced back with a win in the Preferred Handicap pace, prevailing with Prince Mcardle N. The eight-year-old gelding joined the Estrada barn in mid-October, and won a $50,000 claiming race last week at Yonkers Raceway.

Leaving from post position one, Troy Beyer sent his drive straight to the front, and kept Kerford Road A parked early on while setting fast fractions. Prince Mcardle N disposed of his rival around the third turn, then opened up around the final turn. Although pocket-sitting On Accident gave him a mild challenge late, Prince Mcardle N had enough late to hold on and win by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:53.4.

Prince Mcardle N has now won four times from 29 starts on the year, with earnings of almost $60,000. Brian Carsey is the winning owner.

Estrada has now won 29 races at Freehold in 2021, the most of any trainer with seven days left in the season. His 15 wins at the summer/fall meet have him in second during that stretch, behind Brandon Mongiello's 17 victories.

Live harness racing resumes at Freehold on Friday (Dec. 3), starting at about 12:30 p.m.

(Freehold)