by Daina Kazmaier, Freehold Raceway publicity assistant
Freehold, NJ — Longshot Chewy Gross paced headfirst into the new year on a positive note by capturing the $18,000 Invitational Handicap Pace in 1:53.3 at Freehold Raceway on Saturday.
The six-year-old Jenna’s Beach Boy gelding returned a hefty $25.80 to his supporters at the betting windows by earning his first win of 2005. Leaving the gate from the inside post position with regular pilot Stephane Bouchard at the lines, the Mark Ford-trainee sat at the top of the field the entire mile and refused to give the others a chance.
Owned by Martin Sharf of Lawrence, New York, the gelding has been frequenting Yonkers Raceway and Dover Downs in the past few months. His last start at Freehold prior to this win was in October 2004, where he finished seventh in the same class.
Devils Claw N, a regular in the winner’s circle at Freehold, received a steady pocket trip from reinsman Jeff Gregory, who pulled the gelding at the three-quarter-mile marker just in time to finish second, three-quarters of a length behind the victor. Finishing third was Daylon Trooper (David Miller).
Bettor’s favorite Life Source (Cat Manzi) showed a disappointing mile, starting from post eight and finishing eighth in a moderate 1:59.1. On December 11, 2004, the eight-year-old gelding paced an impressive 1:49.2 mile in the Open division at the Meadowlands, with a final quarter of :26.2.