by Don Bielak, publicity director, Freehold Raceway

Freehold, NJ — Desert Sign will open on the board as the lukewarm, 3-1 morning line favorite in Saturday’s featured $15,000 Open handicap for pacers at Freehold Raceway.

Desert Sign competed in last week’s edition of the Open handicap and turned in a solid performance when he finished a close second despite being shuffled back during the middle half-mile. All told, the six-year-old son of Life Sign sports a 1-2-0 across the board record in four starts this year, with $12,750 in earnings.

Cat Manzi, who has been owner/trainer Carl Cito’s pilot of choice for Desert Sign, will be in the sulky. The duo will leave the gate from post two.

One that could give a very good account of himself is Wrist Rocket. The nine-year-old Ideal Society gelding waged a long, first-over battle in last week’s Open Pace and held gamely for the show spot when he weakened in the stretch.

Wrist Rocket will start from post position one as the 7-2 second choice in the early line. Trainer Ron Coyne, Jr. has chosen Stephane Bouchard to drive.

Kilkerran Scot, Yankee Sensation, The Real Dion and Driven To Win complete the field for the main event.

Freehold’s big 13 race Saturday slate of harness racing action will get underway with a first post of 12:30 p.m.