A big first-over move paid off for Clarebear at Freehold Raceway on Friday (Jan. 10), as she won the Fillies & Mares Preferred Pace by one and three-quarter lengths.
Sent off as the 8/5 favourite from the outside post position eight, she dropped into fifth place in the early stages. Approaching the half-mile pole, driver Vinny Ginsburg sent her to the outside, leading the first-over charge to challenge early leader Shecouldbegood. Heading around the final turn, Clarebear cleared to the front and kicked away from her rivals. She had a 4-1/2 length lead entering the stretch, and although her rivals cut into the margin late, she had more than enough to hold on for the win. The final time was 1:54.3 for the mile, including a :28.4 final quarter.
The seven-year-old mare is owned by Cavalli Veloci Stables and trained by Mike Russo. She finished third by a neck last week, after getting parked out almost the whole way. For her career, she's earned more than $317,000, while winning 23 races.
Petal To The Metal closed well to get second at 11/1, while Cruisinwithmybaby was third at 12/1. Shes A Billionair, Stonebridge Honey, Unspoken Promise, I Wish You Well, and Shecouldbegood completed the order of finish.
Live harness racing continues at Freehold on Saturday, starting at 12:30 p.m. The 11-race card features two carryovers: the early pick 4, beginning in race 2, has a carryover of $881.11. The pick 5, starting in race 5, has a carryover of $718.39.
(Freehold)