by Leon Zimmerman

Twist N Clout, the New Jersey Sire Stakes 2-year-old pacing filly of 2008, made her 2009 debut a winning one at Freehold Raceway Saturday afternoon (August 15) with a 1:55 victory in a $42,400 NJSS Premier Division contest for 3-year-old distaff pacers.

The daughter of Western Ideal took the lead at the half, was second at the three-quarter mark and then re-took the lead in the stretch to win by a length and a quarter over Personal Ad (Artiscape). Cammy’s Heart (Cam’s Card Shark) finished third.

John Campbell was in the sulky for the winning owner, Val D’Or Farms of Millstone, and trainer Joe Holloway. Twist N Clout earned $496,297 last year, winning the NJSS Championship Final at the Meadowlands among her five victories last year.

Another $42,400 NJSS Premier Division for 3-year-old pacing fillies was won by Red High Heels (Cam’s Card Shark) in 1:53.3. Also victorious in $40,600 Premier Division splits for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings were Poker Shark (Cam’s Card Shark) in 1:53.1 and Lightning Elvis (Mcardle) in 1:53.2.