Freehold Raceway hosted a pair of top-class paces on Saturday (Dec. 21): a $15,000 Invitational, and a $12,000 Preferred.
The Invitational was won by Sunfire Blue Chip, for Gary Candell and Austin Siegelman. Off a third-place finish in the Preferred last week, he was sent off as the 3/1 third choice. Siegelman rocketed him to the lead from post seven, set up shop before the quarter, and established a modest early pace. He reached the quarter in :27.4, and the half in a slow :57.1. He opened up a bit nearing three-quarters, and looked clear as they turned for home. Despite a frantic rally up the pylons by favoured Clint Westwood, the wire came in time for Sunfire Blue Chip, and he held on for a 3/4-length victory. The final time for the mile was 1:55.4.
The nine-year-old horse is owned by Takter, Fielding, Brixton Medical Inc, and R A W Equine. He's won four times from 21 starts this year, earning more than $90,000. Lifetime the veteran campaigner sports 36 wins and nearly $1.6 million in earnings.
In the Preferred, The Onlyest One showed a lot of heart to hold off the rally of Ideal One and secure the victory. Parked out early, The Onlyest One cleared to the lead after the quarter, getting to the half in a comfortable :58.1. On the third turn, Ideal One swooped three wide, then drew up alongside The Onlyest One after three-quarters. Turning for home, it looked like Ideal One would roll by, but The Onlyest One was game and held on for a neck victory.
The winner is owned by Cliff Grundy, trained by Nick Surick, and driven by Joe Bonigorno. He's won seven times on the calendar year, including two of his last three.
Live harness racing resumes at Freehold on Friday (December 27), starting at approximately 12:30 p.m.
(Freehold)