Freehold Raceway, in association with the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey (SBOANJ), is kicking off a series for New Jersey-sired three-year-old trotters on Friday (Nov. 1).
Six colts and geldings were entered along with six fillies; as such, the first leg was split into two divisions of six horses apiece.
The division for the fillies has been scheduled as the third race. The expected heavy favourite is Evident Beauty, winner of the Casual Breeze and the Elegant Image at Woodbine Mohawk Park, along with the Moni Maker at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. She was the favourite in her Breeders Crown elimination two weeks ago, before breaking stride in the stretch. Usual driver Dave Miller will be in the bike for the Nifty Norman-trained filly, who will leave from post position four.
Dark As A Pocket, who finished third in the Casual Breeze, and French Cafe, winner of the NJSS-SDF Final, figure to be the primary challengers to Evident Beauty. Marveloustrix, Sexy Wow, and Princess Deo complete the ensemble.
The top four finishers in last week's Garden State Trot will return for the colt and gelding division. Lucius Vorenus, the upset winner, drew post position five, and will be driven by Andy Miller for trainer Nick Surick. No Drama Please recovered nicely after an early break to finish second. Austin Siegelman will be in the bike for trainer Tom Fanning from the inside post. Sovereign Deo was third at 32-1 last week, while Cotton To You was fourth at 8-1. Lucas Wallin sends out both, who will be driven by Jim Marohn Jr. and Pat Lachance, respectively.
Hold My Heart and Warrior One complete the field. That division will go as the fifth race.
The first of 11 races at Freehold on Friday is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Eastern.
(Freehold Raceway)