A change of tactics and a great trip proved the keys for Dot Dot Dot Dash, as the veteran mare won Freehold Raceway's Preferred Handicap trot on Friday (January 24).
Usually a deep closer, Dot Dot Dot Dash was sent to the lead by driver Chase Vandervort. She eventually tucked in the pocket behind tempo-setting Lilys Swan Pond, who got through a quarter in :28.2 and a half in :58.3. As they rounded the final turn, Chase kept his drive on the inside, while Lilys Swan Pond remained clear. In the stretch, he shot "Dot" up the passing lane, and it proved the winning move. She crossed the wire a length in front, going the mile in 1:57.2.
The 10-year-old is no stranger to Freehold. Last year, six of her nine victories came at the Jersey half-miler, all of them at the Preferred level. In her career, she's won 32 times from 165 starts, and earned more than $523,000. She's owned by Bill Vandervort, and trained by Leah Vandervort. The second choice in the win pool by just $8, she returned $6.20 to win, $4.20 to place, and $3 to show.
Lilys Swan Pond held on to second, while Magic MVP, who won the Preferred last week, rallied wide and finished third. Drazzmatazz, Mugshot Jess, Zagster, and Armagedon Seelester rounded out the order of finish.
Live racing continues at Freehold on Saturday, with a scheduled start time of 12:30 p.m.
(Freehold)