Freehold, NJ — A change of tactics and a great trip proved the keys for Dot Dot Dot Dash, as the veteran mare won Freehold Raceway’s Preferred Handicap Trot on Friday (Jan. 24).

Usually a deep closer, driver Chase Vandervort elected to try something different, and sent Dot Dot Dot Dash to the lead. She eventually tucked in the pocket behind pace-setting Lily’s Swan Pond, who got through a quarter in :28.2 and a half in :58.3.

As they rounded the final turn, Vandervort kept his drive on the inside, while Lily’s Swan Pond remained clear. In the stretch, he shot Dot Dot Dot Dash up the passing lane, and it proved to be the winning move. She crossed the wire a length in front, going the mile in 1:57.2.

The 10-year-old is no stranger to Freehold. Last year, six of her nine victories came at the Jersey half-miler, all of them at the Preferred level. In her career, she’s won 32 times from 165 starts, and earned $523,835. She’s owned by Bill Vandervort and trained by Leah Vandervort. The second choice in the win pool by just $8, she returned $6.20 to win, $4.20 to place, and $3 to show.

Lily’s Swan Pond held on to be second, while Magic MVP, who won the Preferred last week, rallied wide and finished third. Drazzmatazz, Mugshot Jess, Zagster, and Armagedon Seelester rounded out the order of finish.

Live racing continues at Freehold on Saturday, with a scheduled start time of 12:30 p.m. (EST).