by Carol Hodes, for the SBOANJ

Manalapan, NJ — Stayin Strong, winner of three straight, has been installed as the 8-5 morning line favorite in the third race, the second of two divisions of the New Jersey Futurity for 2-year-old trotters on Friday (Oct. 16) at Freehold Raceway.

Seven colts and geldings will vie for $16,000 on the betting program while five fillies will face off in a $15,000 non-wagering event. The New Jersey Futurity is sponsored by the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey.

Stayin Strong drew outside post seven with Julie Miller turning over the lines to Eric Abbatiello. The son of Muscles Yankee has four wins, a second and two thirds in 10 starts, banking $39,964 for Jason and Douglas Allen. His four wins came in a sweep of the New Jersey Sire Stakes–Green Acres.

Taking on Stayin Strong will be Southwind Flash (Muscle Hill), George Brennan, Ron Burke, 5-1; Steed (Muscle Hill), Daniel Dube, Richard Johnson, 9-2; Threeupthreedown (Muscle Hill), Steve Smith, Erv Miller, 7-2; Luv At First Site (Muscles Yankee), Kyle DiBenedetto, Ron Coyne Jr., 12-1; Sigmund (Muscles Yankee), Don Swick, Don Swick, 30-1; and Inukchuk Chuck (Muscles Yankee), Julie Miller, Julie Miller, 5-1.

In the filly division, with 12:10 p.m. post time, the field includes Casino Cutie It (Muscles Yankee), Vincent Ginsburg, Ray Schnittker; Coco Truffles (Muscle Hill), David Miller, Chuck Sylvester; Cree (Muscle Hill), George Brennan, Trond Smedshammer; HS Baby Grace (Muscle Hill), Ladarrius Whitaker, Ladarrius Whitaker; and Peg O My Heart (Muscle Hill), Christopher Freck, Christopher Freck.

Freehold will also host four $25,000 New Jersey Sire Stakes–Green Acres finals this week.

Four 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings will go postward prior to the betting card on Thursday. The finalists are SS Poseidon (Muscle Hill), Steve Smith, Erv Miller; Switchblade Hall (Muscles Yankee), Vincent Ginsburg, Ray Schnittker; Firestop (Muscles Yankee), Syl King Jr., Syl King Jr.; and Mountain Top (Muscle Hill), Eric Abbatiello, Noel Daley.

Saturday’s card features three finals: 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings (third race), 3-year-old pacing fillies (fifth race) and 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings (sixth race).

Prior to driver changes and morning lines, the entrants for the 3-year-old colt pace are Artsmah (Western Ideal), Roland N Rock (Rocknroll Hanover), Edward Teach (Rocknroll Hanover), Devils Cut (Western Ideal) and Rock Of The Ages.

The 3-year-old pacing fillies are Crescent City (Rocknroll Hanover), Smart Zone (Rocknroll Hanover), Strut My Stuff (Western Ideal), Quick Aint Fair (Rocknroll Hanover), Lissan (Rocknroll Hanover), Cheyenne Robin (Rocknroll Hanover) and Callacam (Cam’s Card Shark).

The 2-year-old pacing colt finalists are Rock N Roll Style (Rocknroll Hanover), Lissilas (Rocknroll Hanover), Perchance To Dream (If I Can Dream), Cedar Hall Dream (If I Can Dream), Nullity (If I Can Dream) and Don’tcallmefrancis (Rocknroll Hanover).