The Homegrown Pace for three-year-old fillies has attracted a field of five to Freehold Raceway this Saturday, Sept. 25. However, one name looms large above the others: Grace Hill.
This Nifty Norman-trained filly has been on a hot streak lately, with four consecutive wins. Grace Hill's victories include the Shady Daisy at the Meadowlands over Fire Start Hanover, the James Lynch Memorial at Pocono Downs, and the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes final at Pocono last out. Earlier in the year, she was second in the Nadia Lobell at Hoosier Park behind Hot Mess Express. This year, she's won five times from 12 starts, with earnings of more than $409,000.
On Saturday, Grace Hill is the even-money morning line favourite, but will likely be a much lower price at post time. Because of her presence, no place or show wagering will be offered on the contest. George Brennan has the drive from post position four.
Podium Girl, Blonde On The Beach, Major Houlian, Always B Laughin and Southwind Xena round out the field. The race is scheduled as the eighth on the card, with a listed post time of 2:50 p.m.
The Saturday card also features the Renaissance Pace for two-year-old colts and geldings. Ron Burke sends out two of the favourites: One Of The Guys, driven by George Brennan, and morning line favourite JMs Finaltreasure, with Joe Bongiorno in the bike. Shakertown, for trainer Tony Alagna and driver Jason Bartlett, also figure to take some play from post position one.
Bloodhound and Varney complete the quintet. The Renaissance will be the fifth race on the card, scheduled for 1:50 p.m.
The Homegrown for three-year-old colts and geldings drew a field of four and will be held as a non-betting race at 12:15 p.m. The top three finishers in the NJSS-SDF final, Imaginary Line, King James Express and Captain Fancy, will all square off here. Gamblin Mo, who was third in the PASS final two races back, will join them.
In addition to the great live 12-race card, fans at Freehold can enjoy $1 hot dogs and $1 small sodas. Fans will also receive a Freehold cap with purchase of a program.
The first live pari-mutuel race on Saturday at Freehold is at about 12:30 p.m.
(Freehold Raceway)