by Don Bielak, publicity director, Freehold Raceway

Freehold, NJ — A pair of four-year-old mares top the co-featured $4,900 trots at Freehold Raceway on Thursday.

In the first division, Sapphire Sue has been made the 5-2 favorite in the morning line. The Sierra Kosmos mare comes into Thursday’s race fresh off an easy win over $3,800 trotters in her local bow on February 18. All told, Sapphire Sue sports a 2-0-3 across the board record this season in six outings. She has earned $13,190 in purses this year for her owners, David and Bonnie Aurichio, a total which tops the field in that category.

Sapphire Sue will leave the gate from post four. George Brennan, who has been aboard for all of Sapphire Sue’s races this year, will be in the sulky for trainer Tom Coddington.

Wild Passion, Willie BA Saluki, Over Ego, Twenty Four Seven, Changing Lanes and Balanced Portfolio complete the field.

Wojtowicz, Federici and Collin’s Neshe will open on the board as the 5-2 choice in the second division. Most recently, the daughter of Malabar Man closed with a rush to finish a nose behind Bill’s Sorce in that rival’s 2:03 score over $3,800 trotters at Freehold on February 19. Only minor improvement should be needed to secure victory on Thursday.

Trainer Paul Wojtowicz has named Stephen Smith to drive. The duo will leave the gate from post one.

Rounding out the field are Meadago Lavec, Gia’s Eternal, Jessica Lane, Club Pines, Armbro Aficionado and Dreamland’s Chip.

Freehold’s 11 race Thursday card gets underway with a first post of 12:30 p.m.