by Don Bielak, publicity director, Freehold Raceway
Freehold, NJ — A wide open — and large — field of nine will face the starter in the featured $15,000 Open handicap for Filly and Mare pacers at Freehold Raceway on Friday (November 26).
The lukewarm 7-2 favorite is Martin Scharf’s Lourdes A. The six-year-old Fake Left mare last raced in a $7,500 conditioned pace at Freehold on November 19 and scored a sharp win as the 4-5 favorite. Prior to that outing, Lourdes A had been a close third in the November 12 edition of the Filly and Mare Open pace at Freehold, and only minor improvement may be needed for her to handle Friday’s class hike.
Trainer Mark Ford has named Jim Morrill, Jr. to drive. The duo will leave the gate from post three.
One that always rates consideration is Lady Matawai N. The six-year-old daughter of Tuapeka Knight has been a model of consistency all season and sports a 12-11-2 across the board record in 31 starts this season while competing mainly against Open Mares. Lady Matawai N’s $133,400 in earnings this year dwarfs her nearest competitor in that category.
Lady Matawai N will start from the outside post eight as the 4-1 second choice in the early line. Jeff Gregory, who has been trainer Ross Croghan’s driver of choice for Lady Matawai N, will be in the sulky.
Rounding out the competitive field for Friday’s feature are: Alanis M, Caitlin Q, Elgigi A, Proxahantis, Royal Gala, Get Over Lil and Chip And Gale.
First post for Friday’s 14 race card at Freehold has been set for 12:30 p.m.