by Don Bielak, publicity director, Freehold Raceway

Freehold, NJ — Moscow N slowed down the early pace and was able to score a pacesetting victory in the featured $17,000 Invitational handicap at Freehold Raceway on Saturday.

Driver Stephen Smith hustled Moscow N to the lead at the start, tripping the timer in :27⁴ for the opening quarter mile. The nine-year-old Deal Direct gelding was then able to get a major breather in the second quarter, which was timed in :30 seconds flat. From there, Moscow N was able to rebuff all challengers, hitting the three-panel mark in 1:26² and finishing up the mile in 1:54¹.

Grecian Art (Pat Lachance) got a rail trip behind the winner and surged at the wire to miss by a neck. It was another two lengths back to Rob Roy Mattgregor (George Brennan) in third. The 6-5 favorite, Gallo Blue Chip, got away sluggishly from post seven, was never able to reach contention, and finished last in the seven horse field.

Moscow N scored his fourth win in 11 outings this season in capturing the Freehold main event for his owners, R. Wayne Pryor and Doc & Me, Inc. of Delaware. Overlooked in the wagering at 19-1, the Chuck Crissman-trainee rewarded his supporters with a win mutuel of $41.80.

Freehold Raceway honored George Brennan in the winner’s circle following the seventh race, which Brennan won aboard Matts Waller. Brennan was cited for his 4,000th career victory, which occurred at the Meadowlands on Thursday night when Brennan took the second race with Stevies N.

Brennan, a 36-year-old resident of Perrineville, New Jersey, has long been a regular member of the Freehold driving colony and currently occupies eighth place among all Freehold drivers.