by: Don Bielak, Freehold Raceway Publicity Director

FREEHOLD, NJ – – Robert Key’s American Mike and Perretti Racing Stable, Schnittker and Rizzo’s Self Obsessed scored impressive pacesetting victories in their respective $29,660 divisions of eliminations for next week’s $178,000 Dexter Cup for three-year-old trotters.

In the first division, Ron Pierce guided American Mike through fractions of 29.2, 1:00.2, 1:30.3 en route to a one length score in 1:59.2. Southwind Elian (John Campbell) briefly challenged the winner in the stretch and held well to finish second. Coyote Creek (Stephen Smith) checked in third, four and one-quarter lengths behind American Mike and Beissinger Hanover (Mike Lachance) finished another neck back in fourth to earn a berth for next week’s final.

American Mike, a son of American Winner, made his first start of the year in his Dexter elim. The Charlie Norris trainee returned $3.20 as the favorite in the betting.

Division two saw Self Obsessed, with Ray Schnittker in the sulky, cut fractions of 29, 58.4, 1:27.4 and cruise home to win by three and one-half lengths in a final time of 1:56.2, one-fifth of a second off the track standard held jointly by Giant Keeper and SJ’s Caviar. Ripped (David Miller) got a pocket trip behind the pacesetter and finished second. A late-arriving Hizzoner (Trond Smedshammer) nailed down the show spot, six and three-quarters lengths behind the winner. The final slot in next week’s Dexter final went to Affaro Hanover (Jim Meittinis), who finished fourth.

The victory gave Self Obsessed his second win of the year in as many starts. The Paul Doherty-trained son of Self Possessed closed as the odds-on choice in the wagering and paid $3.40 to win.