Going into the first leg of the Standardbred Breeders' and Owners' Association trot, Evident Beauty looked like the classiest member of the five-horse field. She proved it on the Freehold Raceway oval Friday afternoon, winning by 3-1/4 lengths in 1:56.4.
Sent off as the 3/5 favourite, driver David Miller rated her in third place early, behind early leader French Cafe and Dark As A Pocket. Heading up the backstretch the final time, Miller sent his charge out after the leader, and drew up to French Cafe as they rounded the final turn. Although French Cafe gave a good fight, Evident Beauty proved too good, and she pulled away for the victory.
This marks the eighth win of the season for Evident Beauty, who has bankrolled more than $500,000 in her sophomore campaign. Five of those wins have come in stakes finals. She was the 3/2 favourite in her Breeders Crown elimination last week, but broke stride turning for home and lost all chance to qualify for the final. She's owned by Melvin Hartman, Little E LLC, and RAW Equine, and is trained by 'Nifty' Norman.
The first leg of the series drew 12 entries, and was subsequently split by gender. No Drama Please won the division for colts & geldings, wearing down early leader Lucius Vorenus to win by three-quarters of a length. He went the mile in a season's best 1:57.3 for owner Joseph Smith, trainer Tom Fanning, and driver Austin Siegelman.
The SBOA-NJ series continues next Friday, with the second leg. The final will be worth $50,000, and is scheduled for November 15.
Live harness racing continues at Freehold on Saturday, with a scheduled first post time of 12:30 p.m.
(Freehold)