by Don Bielak, publicity director, Freehold Raceway

Freehold, NJ — Carl Cito’s Nanny Fine heads a field of eight in the featured $5,200 conditioned trot at Freehold Raceway on Thursday (December 30).

Nanny Fine comes into Thursday’s main event in sharp form. The three-year-old daughter of Donerail most recently competed in an $11,625 conditioned trot at The Meadowlands on December 16 and finished second after leading for most of the mile. Nanny Fine has raced well at Freehold in the past and would not have to improve very much to earn top honors.

Cito, who doubles as trainer for Nanny Fine, has named Hall of Famer Cat Manzi to drive. The duo will leave the gate from post one as the 5-2 favorite in the morning line.

One who figures to give a good account of himself is Heirs Above. In his latest start at Yonkers on December 21, the eight-year-old Earl gelding closed well to finish third against $7,000 conditioned company. Heirs Above is the class of the field, with his $342,262 in lifetime earnings and his $36,103 banked this season both topping the field in those categories.

Heirs Above has drawn post two and has been made the 7-2 second choice in the early line. He will be guided by Marcus Johansson for trainer Antonella Galie.

Spartan Hall, Lavec Dream, Gia’s Eternal, Video Hit, The Perfect Man and Dauntless Warrior complete the field.

Thursday’s 13 race slate at Freehold will get underway with a first post of 12:30 p.m.