Jake’s Nordic, Alanis M score at Freehold
March 20, 2004,by Don Bielak, publicity director, Freehold Raceway
Freehold, NJ — Daniel and Thomas Courtemanche’s Jake’s Nordic and Kelvin Harrison’s Alanis M captured the co-featured $14,200 Open handicaps at Freehold Raceway on Friday.
In the Open handicap for trotters, Jake’s Nordic took the lead just past the opening quarter-mile mark and stayed in front thereafter to record a convincing 1:58 victory with Cat Manzi in the sulky. The five-year-old Keystone Nordic gelding finished three and three-quarter lengths ahead of Spat One (Jeff Gregory). It was another length back to Derbys Goal (Stephen Smith), who finished third.
Jake’s Nordic notched his second win in eight starts this year in capturing the Open Trot. The Sam Beegle-trainee returned $4.20 as the betting favorite.
The Open handicap for filly and mare pacers went to Alanis M in a 1:562 mile. The eight-year-old Albert Albert mare found room on the final turn and responded to strong urging by Jim Morrill, Jr. to wear down Nells Bells (George Brennan) in the stretch and prevail by a neck at the wire. Royal Gala (Cat Manzi) came again in the stretch and nailed down the show spot, one and one-half lengths behind the winner.
The victory was the fourth in 12 outings this season for Alanis M. Sent postward as the 11-10 choice in the wagering, the Harrison-trained mare paid $4.20 to win.