by Don Bielak, publicity director, Freehold Raceway

FREEHOLD, NJ – – Hall of Famer Cat Manzi, North America’s leading driver in the number of wins in 2005, extended his lead by piloting five winners on the 13 race card at Freehold Raceway on Friday.

Manzi, a 54-year-old resident of Freehold, scored with Sheffield ($3.00), Wildniteonthetown ($2.80), PT Royal ($5.20), Astaire Blue Chip ($7.00) before capturing the nightcap aboard Cabasone ($5.20).

The five victories gave Manzi a total of 258 for the season. His nearest competitor in the win category is Mark MacDonald, who started the day with 207 winners to his credit.

Manzi has been the Freehold driving champion a record 16 times and holds an insurmountable lead at the current meeting which concludes on May 28.