Western Pioneer, making his first start for new owners, overcame a judges’ inquiry to post his first career victory in the $43,000 New Jersey Futurity for two-year-old pacers, the ninth race on Saturday, October 25, at Freehold Raceway.
Western Pioneer, a son of Western Ideal bred by Hanover Shoe Farms, paced the mile in 1:55.1, getting up in the final strides to catch Edward Teach (sired by Rocknroll Hanover) for a three-quarters of a length victory, his first in 12 career starts. Rock N Roll World (by Rocknroll Hanover), the Green Acres champion, was third by four and a half lengths.
Dealt A Winner, the pre-race favourite, was scratched sick, leaving seven starters.
Western Pioneer, driven by Tim Tetrick and trained by Nancy Johansson, was purchased as a yearling at the Harrisburg Sale for $15,000 by Perry Soderberg of Highstown, New Jersey. Ownership was transferred to 3 Brothers Stables of New York City and Johansson on October 17, 2014.
Sent off as the slight 2-1 favourite over Cheyenne Robin (by Rocknroll Hanover), one of two fillies in the field, Western Pioneer ($6.20) made his move to the outside at the three-quarters as Edward Teach took the lead, prompting the judges’ review.
Western Pioneer has finished in-the-money in five of 12 starts for earnings of $72,274.
The New Jersey Futurity is sponsored by the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey.
(SBOANJ)