Phil Jasper's Drinkin Again has quickly taken a liking to Freehold Raceway and has notched three wins over the track in his last eight races.
Last time out, Drinkin Again won the Preferred Handicap Pace by half a length while racing at odds of 12-1. He'll seek to defend his title on Saturday (Feb. 15) and will be lining up against seven contenders.
Jack Baggitt will be back in the sulky behind the six-year-old, who will be looking to become the first pacer to win the Freehold Preferred Handicap twice in 2020. He is set to start from the outside Post 8.
Two others drew for the outside post positions, and they'll line up directly to Drinkin Again's inside. Lyons Steel turned in a strong closing effort in his 2020 debut last week when he rallied to finish fifth with a final quarter of 28 seconds. During the fall/winter portion of the Freehold season, he won the Preferred three times. Pat Lachance will be in the bike and the duo will start from Post 6 for trainer Dennis Watson.
Winning Linc drew Post 7 for driver Eric Abbatiello and trainer Richard Johnson. He caught fire at the Meadowlands Racetrack last fall and notched three wins from his last four starts of the year. Saturday will mark Winning Linc’s 2020 debut.
Smileandsaycheese, Ozone Blue Chip, Gotta Go BB, Solo Story, and Ginger Tree Marty complete the ensemble. The Preferred has been carded as Race 7 and is expected to head to post at roughly 2:50 p.m. (EST).
Freehold’s Saturday card also features another renewal of the American Harness Drivers Club amateur trot, which has been programmed as Race 5. Wygant Prince, for owner/driver Paul Minore, will be looking to make it two in a row at the class.
In addition, the hottest pacer based at the track, Jackamino, will seek his fifth consecutive win in Race 6, which is a conditioned pace. Vinny Ginsburg will drive from Post 4 for trainer Taylor Gower, who also trains Wygant Prince.
The first of ten races at Freehold on Saturday will be at 12:30 p.m.
(With files from Freehold Raceway)