by Don Bielak, publicity director, Freehold Raceway

Freehold, NJ — Park It Ashley and Armbro Barrister took the co-featured $14,200 Open handicaps at Freehold Raceway on Friday.

In the Open handicap for filly and mare pacers, Michael Robinson, Donald Robinson, Robert Mondillo and Steve Cheatham’s Park It Ashley made every pole a winning one with George Brennan in the sulky.

The four-year-old daughter of Park Place set fractions of :27.2, :57, and 1:25.2 on her way to a half length victory in 1:54.2. Caitlin Q (Stephane Bouchard) closed well but had to settle for second, and Fox Valley Perdito (Patrick Berry) outfinished tired horses to finish third, six lengths behind the winner.

Park It Ashley recorded her fourth win of the year in her eighth start. The trainee of Linda Toscano closed as the 13-10 favorite and returned a win mutuel of $4.60.

The Open handicap for trotters was taken in wire-to-wire fashion by Ray Schnittker, Earl Scheelar, Kelk’s Inc. and Jack Adkins’ Armbro Barrister.

The four-year-old son of Malabar Man cut splits of :28.1, :57, and 1:27 en route to a length tally in 1:57.3 with Ray Schnittker at the reins. Sir Valahad (Yannick Gingras) nailed down the place spot despite being parked the mile. Angel Alan (Patrck Berry) finished five and a quarter lengths behind the winner in third.

The victory was the second for Armbro Barrister in seven outings this season. Overlooked in the wagering, the Paul Doherty-conditioned stallion rewarded his supporters with a win payoff of $26.20.