by Don Bielak, publicity director, Freehold Raceway

Freehold, NJ — Heather’s Gambit, the 2003 New Jersey Sires Stakes juvenile filly pacing champion, has been installed as the 3-1 morning line favorite over nine rivals in the opening round of the N.J.S.S. for three-year-old filly pacers at Freehold Raceway on Saturday.

Heather’s Gambit was a model of consistency in winning her N.J.S.S. title last year. The daughter of Jeremys Gambit won seven of her eight starts and amassed $143,375 in earnings. Among her victories were a sweep of the Sires Stakes fall championship at Freehold Raceway.

In 2004, Heather’s Gambit’s fortunes changed as she lost her first 12 outings of the year. She has looked more like herself of late — she beat Open mares at Pocono Downs in her past two starts — and any further improvement could make her a winner on Saturday.

Owner/trainer Harry Giannoulis has named Joe Pavia, Jr. to drive. The duo will start in the second tier from post 10.

One of the prime threats to the favorite figures to be R Burning Desire. In her most recent start in the $150,000 N.J.S.S. Final at the Meadowlands on June 25, the Artiscape filly turned in a solid effort to finish third behind Rainbow Blue in that rival’s 1:51⁴ victory. All told, R Burning Desire sports a 3-2-2 across the board record this season with $77,770 in earnings.

R Burning Desire will leave the gate from post nine in the second tier as the 4-1 second choice in the early line. Ross Wolfenden will be in the sulky for trainer Bob Baggitt, Jr.

Ted’s Girl, BJ’s Sunset, Gamblers Daughter, Earhart Hanover, Todalu, Summer Mystery, Queen Otra, and Nadia’s Life complete the field.

In the $18,000 Invitational handicap for pacers, Ronald Mario’s Signatory will open on the board as the 5-2 morning line choice. The five-year-old gelded son of Life Sign has been assigned post four and will be guided by Howard Parker.

Freehold’s 11 race Saturday slate will commence with a first post of 12:30 p.m.