by Don Bielak, publicity director, Freehold Raceway

Freehold, NJ — Fresh off an impressive win against softer competition last week, Jeans N Rings has been installed as the 3-1 morning line favorite in the featured $5,900 conditioned trot at Freehold Raceway on Thursday.

Racing in a $4,900 trot at Freehold on January 22, the four-year-old BJ’s Mac mare unleashed a powerful finish to win by four and one-half lengths in 2:00³. The victory established a new lifetime mark for Jeans N Rings, and only minor improvement should be needed for her to handle Thursday’s hike in company.

Jeans N Rings, who is leased by Joe and Joann Thomson, will leave the gate from post five. She will be handled by Cat Manzi for trainer Ben Stafford.

The main threat to the favorite could be Trytotopme N. The seven-year-old Gee Whiz gelding has been competing against much tougher competition at the Meadowlands this winter with little success, and Thursday’s welcomed drop in class could be the recipe for a much-improved performance.

Stephen Smith will guide Trytotopme N. The duo will start from post two as the 7-2 second choice in the early line.

Dreamland’s Chip, Dark Scene, Miracle Lane, RW Buckshot, Mighty Mark and Pure Fox round out the field for the main event.

Freehold’s 12 race Thursday slate gets underway with a first post of 12:30 p.m.