Friday's Preferred Handicap trot at Freehold Raceway loomed as a showdown between two classy trotters. Obrigado, a two-time winner of the Freehold Preferred Handicap this year and a winner of more than $1.9 million, squared off against Meladys Monet, who won the Preferred Handicap on January 15 and earned more than $1.7 million.
Ultimately, Meladys Monet won the battle, prevailing by 1-1/2 lengths for his 69th lifetime score.
Leaving from post eight, Dan Dube was aggressive with Obrigado, sending him to the lead and clearing just after the opening quarter. Meanwhile, Eric Abbatiello was more patient with Meladys Monet. Leaving from post seven, he dropped his drive into fifth in the early stages.
Just after the half-mile point, Abbatiello moved Meladys Monet first-over after the leader. Nearing the three-quarter point, he put a head in front of Obrigado, who had no response. Meladys Monet pulled clear around the final turn. The final time was 1:58, in cold, windy conditions.
Meladys Monet is owned by Melady Enterprises LLC and trained by Herman Heitmann. Last week, he finished second in the Preferred Handicap, and avenged his defeat on Friday afternoon.
Obrigado flattened out in the stretch and finished fourth. Mugshot Jess and Swansea rounded out the Trifecta. Dot Dot Dot Dash, Allindotime, Stinglike A B K and Miss McKee completed the order of finish.
Live racing continues at Freehold on Saturday with a 13-race program starting at about 12:30 p.m.
(Freehold)