Freehold, NJ — Freehold Raceway hosted a pair of stakes on Saturday (Oct. 3). One saw an upset, the other saw a winning favorite.

The first leg of the New Jersey Sire Stakes- Standardbred Development Fund for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers was expected to be a coronation for King James Express. Off a string of stakes wins, he was the 1-5 favorite in the field of six.

He, however, broke stride twice, costing him a chance at victory.

Meanwhile, second choice Captain Fancy saved ground off the leader, then got by early leader Not Today to win by 1-3/4 lengths. He avenged his defeat to King James Express in the Renaissance last week with this win.

He stopped the clock in 1:58, for owners Vincent Ali, Alma Iafelice, and Theodore Gewertz, trainer Bill MacKenzie, and driver Dan Dube.

Later in the day, the Renaissance for 2-year-old filly pacers was contested. Dan Dube was looking for a stakes sweep while driving Significant Other. He went out to a clear lead with the filly, and led turning for home at 36-1.

Favored Podium Girl, however, closed strongly from the back of the pack, and got up to win by three-quarters of a length. She paced the mile in 1:57.2, for her third win of her career. George Brennan was in the bike, for owners Henderson Farms, Robert Mondillo, and Barry Spak, and trainer Chris Ryder.

Live racing resumes at Freehold on Friday, with a scheduled first post time of 12:30 p.m.