A field of seven two-year-old pacers are set to square off in the New Jersey Sire Stakes - Standardbred Development Fund Final at Freehold Raceway this Saturday (Oct. 17). Some are looking to build off big efforts, others are seeking redemption.
Renaissance winner King James Express was heavily bet in each of the first two legs (he went off at 1-5 in leg one, and 2-5 in leg two). Unfortunately for him, he made breaks both times, and lost all chance. When he won the Renaissance, he made an early miscue, but managed to stay pacing the rest of the way. To win this one, he'll have to keep the breaks to a minimum. Jason Bartlett will be in the bike from Post 7 for trainer Mark Harder.
The winners of each leg will also contest the final. Captain Fancy lost the Renaissance by a head, then went on to win the first leg in a sharp 1:58. Trainer Bill MacKenzie elected to bypass the second leg last week in order to keep him fresh for the final. Daniel Dube has retained the drive and will line up in Post 4.
Not Today won the second leg in gate-to-wire style, setting a cozy pace and cruising to the wire in 1:59.4. Marcus Miller will likely send him to the lead again, from Post 3, for trainer Erv Miller.
Cheese Omelet, Imaginary Line, Hurrikane Georgie, and Solid Alibi round out the field. The final has been carded as Race 3 and carries a listed post time of 1:10 p.m.
Post time for the first race on Saturday is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
(Freehold Raceway)