Freehold, NJ – After an impressive victory against conditioned pacers on Jan. 22, Lyons Steel had to wait three weeks to race again, as bad weather and track conditions scuttled his chance to race two weeks in a row.

His return was more than worth the wait, as he crushed the field in Saturday’s (Feb. 12) Preferred Handicap Pace at Freehold Raceway by nine lengths.

Lyons Steel won Saturday’s Preferred Handicap Pace at Freehold Raceway by nine lengths. World Wide Racing Photos.

Having drawn post position seven in the eight-horse field, Lyons Steel went off as the overwhelming 1/5 favorite. Driver Joe Bongiorno quickly blasted off with him, leaving quickly and establishing firm control early. From there, no one was able to seriously threaten him. He was five lengths in front by the time they hit the three-quarter mile point, and cruised to victory from there, covering the mile in 1:54.1.

Lyons Steel is known for his affinity for Freehold. He’s won six of his last eight starts on this track. Lifetime, he’s won 33 times from 102 starts, with earnings of over $543,000. Last year, he finished fourth in the MGM Borgata Pacing Series Final at Yonkers Raceway. He’s owned by BD Racing LLC and trained by Dennis Watson.

Live racing resumes at Freehold Raceway on Friday (Feb. 18), starting at 12:30 p.m.