by Don Bielak, publicity director, Freehold Raceway

FREEHOLD, NJ – Salerno-trezza partners’ Carlspur, with Stephane Bouchard at the reins, took command at the midway point of the mile and stayed in front thereafter to win the featured $17,000 Invitational handicap for pacers at Freehold Raceway on Saturday.

Carlspur, an eight-year-old Carlsbad Cam stallion, withstood a late challenge at the wire by Happy Together N (Jeff Gregory), holding off that rival by a neck in 1:52.2. Armbro Acquire (Jim Morrill, Jr.) passed tired horses and finished third, four and one-half lengths behind the winner.

The victory was the first of the season for Carlspur in his second start. The Tony Salerno trainee returned $6.00 as the second choice in the wagering.