by Carol Hodes, for the SBOANJ

Manalapan, NJ — Ideal Rocky, winner of the Lou Babic and a division of the International Stallion Stakes, will face five others in a $30,000 New Jersey Futurity for 2-year-old pacers while Green Acres champion SS Poseidon takes on four in the $25,000 New Jersey Futurity for 3-year-old trotters this weekend at Freehold Raceway, site of a “Racing for a Cure” fundraiser.

The 3-year-old trotters will meet in a non-wagering event at 12:10 p.m. on Friday (Oct. 23) while the 2-year-old pacers have been slotted as race six on Saturday (Oct. 24).

The New Jersey Futurities are sponsored by the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey and are the final New Jersey-sired stakes of the year.

On Saturday, Freehold’s horsemen will observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, spearheaded by Lori Urbanski, with donations plus the presentation of blankets for each race.

The white and pink coolers, prepared by tack man Lenny Ferrara, were sponsored by Dennis Watson Stable, Eric Abbatiello Stable, Vinnie Ginsburg Stable, T.K. Racing Stable, Steve Smith Stable, Vinnie Fusco Jr. Stable, Nick Surick Stable, Ivan Llopez Stable, Jim Marshall Stable, Mike Fiumenero Stable, Kerin Warner Stable, Irish Joe Hanney Stable, Theo’s Kitchen and The Tack Man.

The field for the $25,000 New Jersey Futurity for 3-year-old trotters, from the rail out with sire, driver and trainer: SS Poseidon (Muscle Hill), Steve Smith, Erv Miller; Switchblade Hall (Muscles Yankee), Vincent Ginsburg, Ray Schnittker; Demons N Diamonds (Muscle Hill), Daniel Dube, John McDermott Jr.; Shesoneinamillion (Muscles Yankee), Oyvind Hegdal, Oyvind Hegdal; and Mountain Top (Muscle Hill), Irish Joe Hanney, Noel Daley. The co-ed event features three colts and two fillies.

The $30,000 New Jersey Futurity for 2-year-old pacers, from the rail out with sire, driver, trainer and morning line: Uncle Nicky (Philos Hanover), Jeff Gregory, Thomas Cancelliere, 7-1; Lissilas (Rocknroll Hanover), Jim Marshall III, Larry Remmen, 15-1; Don’tcallmefrancis (Rocknroll Hanover), Irish Joe Haney, Nifty Norman, 3-1; LL Jackpot (Philos Hanover), Ivan Llopez, Ivan Llopez, 5-1; Katies Rocker (Rocknroll Hanover), Jim Marohn Jr., Jim Campbell, 3-1; and Ideal Rocky (Rocknroll Hanover), Marcus Miller, John Butenschoen, 2-1. LL Jackpot is the lone filly in the field.