Freehold, NJ — Inukchuk Chuck stole the Preferred Handicap Trot at Freehold Raceway on Friday (Dec. 27), winning it with a gate-to-wire trip.

Leaving from post position three, driver Joe Bongiorno put his drive on the front end, setting a moderate early tempo. Heading up the backstretch the final time, he was met with pressure from Hashtagmadeyalook, along with favored Money Maven. Although the latter drew close on the final turn, Inukchuk Chuck was unfazed, and drew off to a 3-1/2 length win. He went the mile in 1:57.

That was the 11th win of 2019 for Inukchuk Chuck, most of which have come in amateur driver races. His earnings for the year total $63,248. He was third in the Preferred last week, but with a front-running trip, he was able to find his way to the winner’s circle. He’s owned by Cliff Grundy and trained by Nick Surick.

The Preferred was one of four wins for Bongiorno on the Friday program. He won race two with R Sam, race three driving Northern Credit, and race five with Major Frost. That gives him 82 wins at Freehold on the calendar year, and 37 at the current fall/winter stand.

Live racing continues at Freehold on Saturday (Dec. 28), starting at 12:30 p.m. (EST).