by Carol Hodes, for the SBOA of New Jersey

Manalapan, NJ — Aunt Mel breezed to victory in the $10,000 elimination race, marking the 3-year-old trotting filly as the favorite in next week’s $50,000 Helen Smith final at Freehold Raceway.

Helene Gregory/World Wide Racing photo

Aunt Mel was a 1:57.1 winner for driver Brent Holland.

Aunt Mel, a daughter of Yankee Glide, had the lead at every call and held on for a three length tally in Friday’s fourth race, the single elimination race that determined the eight finalists. The mile was clocked in 1:57.1.

Finishing second and third were Chilitodayhotamale (Muscles Yankee) and Riverfest (Windsong’s Legacy), respectively.

Eight of the nine starters earned spots in the final on September 7. The only filly eliminated was Ringside Nguyen, who finished ninth.

Driven by Brent Holland, Aunt Mel extended her winning streak to three, capturing five of her last six starts. The Erv Miller trainee, owned by Mary Jane Anderson, won a Review division and Zweig consolation in her prior two outings.

She has now finished in the money in 16 of 27 career starts for a bankroll of $225,845.

The stakes record of 1:56.3 was established in 2008 by Muscle Shirt, a daughter of Muscles Yankee, driven by Cat Manzi and trained by Chuck Sylvester.

The Helen Smith for 3-year-old New Jersey-sired trotting fillies is sponsored by the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey.

The Lou Babic for 2-year-old New Jersey-sired pacers drew fields of eight in both the filly and colt divisions and will not need elimination races on Saturday. Two six-horse preps will be offered for the $106,700 Babic Open and $68,900 Babic Filly. Bypassing the preps are colts To Beach His Own and Troon, and fillies Gypsy Cards and Panera Hanover.