by Don Bielak, publicity director, Freehold Raceway

Freehold, NJ — Emil Benvenuto’s Ted’s Girl charged to the lead on the final turn and drew clear to a five and three-quarter length victory in the $40,000 opening leg of the New Jersey Sires Stakes for three-year-old pacing fillies at Freehold Raceway on Saturday.

Driven by Stephen Smith, the daughter of Presidential Ball stopped the timer in 1:53⁴, just two ticks off the stakes record of 1:53² on a half-mile track which was set by CR Daniela at Freehold in 1995. Heather’s Gambit (Joe Pavia, Jr.), who had led from the midway point of the mile, held well for second. It was another five and one-quarter lengths back to R Burning Desire (Ross Wolfenden) in third.

Ted’s Girl, who is conditioned by Deborah Brunet, collected her fifth win in 12 starts this year in taking the opening round of the Sires Stakes. She paid $10.80 to win as the fourth choice in the wagering.