Freehold, NJ — Inukchuk Chuck began his 2020 season the same way he ended his 2019 campaign: with a win in the Freehold Raceway Preferred Trot. He scored in Friday’s (Jan. 3) feature race by 3-1/4 lengths, stopping the clock in 1:58 over a sloppy track.

Just like last week, driver Joe Bongiorno blasted him to the lead and cleared as soon as he could. The early tempo was slow as the quarter went in :29.2, while the half-mile fraction was :59.3. Favored Money Maven moved first over just before the half, and applied serious pressure to Inukchuk Chuck as they neared three-quarters. However, the leader easily dismissed the challenge and pulled away down the stretch for a convincing victory.

The winner is owned by Cliff Grundy and trained by Nick Surick. He won 11 times in 2019, while earning more than $63,000. For his career, he’s accrued 22 victories, and earned more than $230,000.

Abbie’s Celticlass got up for second over Money Maven at 10-1. Caviar Star, River Otter, Mugshot Jess, Barney Mac, and Boots N Chains rounded out the order of finish.

Live racing continues at Freehold on Saturday, with a 10-race program beginning at 12:30 p.m. (EST).