Melady’s Monet wins Freehold Friday feature

Freehold, NJ — The 12-year-old trotting veteran Melady’s Monet is no stranger to winning. He won for the 73rd time in his long career on Friday (April 16), winning the Preferred Handicap Trot at Freehold Raceway by one length.

Off two consecutive wins in upper-level conditioned company at Yonkers Raceway, along with two wins in the Preferred Handicap at Freehold earlier this year, Melady’s Monet went off as the 1-5 favorite from post position eight. Driver Eric Abbatiello was patient early on, dropping the favorite into fifth position nearing the opening quarter.

As they headed to the half-mile point, Abbatiello moved Melady’s Monet to the outside and began the first-over grind after the leader, Winneress.

Winneress held the lead as they rounded the final turn, but in the last sixteenth, Melady’s Monet wore him down. He crossed the wire a length in front, stopping the clock in 1:58. Winneress, second in the Preferred Handicap last week, held on to finish second again. Allindotime was third.

Melady’s Monet’s career earnings now total more than $1.76 million. He’s maintained his strong form in his 12-year-old season as this was his sixth win of the year from 11 starts. He’s owned by Melady Enterprises and trained by Hermann Heitmann.

Live racing continues at Freehold on Saturday (April 17), with a 12-race program beginning at about 12:30 p.m.

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