There were no surprises in the first legs of the New Jersey Sire Stakes–Standardbred Development Fund (NJSS-SDF) at Freehold Raceway on Saturday, as heavy favourites Prince of Tides and Ponder the Odds won their respective divisions.
Coming off a big win in the Homegrown Pace, Prince of Tides was sent off as the 1/20 favourite in the first leg for three-year-old colts & geldings. Driver George Brennan sent him aggressively from post position five. He cleared to the lead before the opening quarter, and never had an anxious moment from there. He crossed the wire three lengths in front, stopping the clock in 1:53.
That was the ninth win of the year for the Ross Croghan-trained gelding, who is owned by Let it Ride Stables, Dana Parham, and Howard Taylor. He paid $2.10 to win and $2.10 to place, with no show wagering offered. Reigning Deo made a good first-over move and held on for second, while Trente Deo checked in third.
Two races later, Ponder The Odds dominated the first leg for three-year-old fillies. Off two big wins at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono and Yonkers Raceway, she was dismissed as the 1/10 favourite. Driver Pat Lachance sent her right to the front, and she opened up a three-length lead at the opening quarter. Longshot Fear No Evil drew close as the field turned for home, but Ponder The Odds brushed off the challenge. She cruised under the wire by 2-1/2 lengths, going the mile in 1:56.2.
Ponder The Odds is trained and co-owned by Kathleen La Montagne; Donald La Montagne also owns the horse. She paid $2.20 to win, $2.10 to place, and $2.10 to show. Surreality was second, while Stood Up finished third.
Live harness racing resumes at Freehold on Friday, October 11, with a first race post time of 12:30 p.m. EDT.
(Freehold)