by Don Bielak, publicity director, Freehold Raceway

FREEHOLD, NJ – – The prestigious Grand Circuit made its first stop of the season as Freehold Raceway presented two divisions of the Lady Suffolk for three-year-old trotting fillies on Friday afternoon.

In the first division, a seven horse affair worth $50,125, Deena Frost, Sampson Street Stables and Jerry Silva’s Margarita Nights got a perfect pocket trip and powered by the pacesetter in the stretch to record a three-quarter length victory in 1:58.4 with Stephen Smith in the sulky. Motivational (George Brennan), who had led from the start, held on gamely to secure the place spot. It was another four and one-quarter lengths back to The Great Pacific (Ron Pierce), who finished third.

Margarita Nights notched her third victory of the year in as many starts in capturing her division of the Lady Suffolk. The Karen Garland-conditioned daughter of Yankee Glide returned $3.80 as the betting favorite.

In the $51,125 second division, which featured a full field of eight fillies, American Viking Racing Stable’s Laughing Louder edged clear at the wire to prevail by a neck in 2:00.1 with trainer/driver Trond Smedshammer at the reins. Drinks Like A Fish (Jack Baggitt, Jr.) finished second and Penny Lane (David Wade) checked in third, two and one-quarter lengths behind the winner.

The overwhelming 3-10 favorite, Ticket To Glide (Cat Manzi), made a disastrous break at the start and was no factor thereafter.

The Lady Suffolk tally was the first start of the year for Laughing Louder, and the win was also her first career victory. Overlooked in the wagering, the Muscles Yankee filly rewarded her supporters with a win mutuel of $22.60.

A pair of $8,000 divisions of the opening round of the Windshield Wiper series for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings were contested on the Freehold undercard, also.

Division one saw Chuck Grubbs and Schoor-th Stable’s Secret Weapon win by the margin of a head with David Miller in the bike. Nomad Love (Ron Pierce) was second and Under Boss (Jeff Gregory) finished third, only a neck behind the winner in the blanket finish.

In the second division, George Brennan drove Squawk Box Stable’s True Force to a two and one-quarter length tally in 1:56. Escape Attack (Jeff Gregory) was prominent throughout and finished a clear second. It was three more lengths back to Philo Beddoe (Jim Marshall, III) in third.

The $8,000 second leg of the Windshield Wiper will be contested on May 20, and the $40,000 (est.) final will be held on closing day of the current meet, May 28.