by Carol Hodes, for the SBOANJ

Manalapan, NJ — Riley’s Dream took advantage of an early miscue by Rules Of The Road to win the $30,000 Helen Smith Trot by a half-length on Friday (Sept. 11) at Freehold Raceway.

With only four 3-year-old New Jersey-sired trotting fillies entered, the race was contested prior to the betting card. The Helen Smith is sponsored by the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey.

Helene Gregory/World Wide Racing Photos

Riley’s Dream was a 2:00.3 winner in the Helen Smith Trot.

Riley’s Dream (Muscle Hill), driven by Steve Smith and trained by Julie Miller, trotted the mile in 2:00.3. Rules Of The Road (Muscle Hill), with earnings of more than $200,000 and the runner-up in the Hambletonian Oaks, broke stride at the start and spotted the field more than five lengths but closed well for second. It was 1-1/2 lengths to Blue Muse (Muscles Yankee) in third and 4-1/2 lengths to Southwind Cartier (Muscle Hill) in fourth.

Riley’s Dream, unraced at two, has two wins, seven seconds and two thirds in 15 starts this year for earnings of $85,151. His owner-breeders are Jason Allen, Douglas Allen and Ronald Allen.

The team of driver Steve Smith and trainer Julie Miller were back in the winner’s circle in the eighth race as Southwind Hope won a $7,000 first leg of the New Jersey Sire Stakes–Green Acres for 2-year-old trotting fillies.

Southwind Hope, a daughter of Muscle Hill-Honey Pie, scored a two length victory over Cree (Muscle Hill). It was 11-1/4 lengths to Peg O My Heart (Muscle Hill) in third. She trotted the mile in 2:01.2 for her first win with two thirds in five starts. The $52,000 Lexington Selected Sale purchase has banked $9,100.

Southwind Hope, bred by Southwind Farm, races for the partnership of the Andy Miller Stable, Little E LLC and Lawrence Dumain.