Freehold, NJ – Last week, Bank Sea defeated Major Betts by a head to win the Preferred Handicap pace at Freehold Raceway. This week on Saturday (May 14) Major Betts got his revenge, taking the weekly feature at the central Jersey oval by 1-1/2 lengths.

Major Betts won the featured Preferred Handicap at Freehold Saturday. World Wide Photos.

Major Betts drew post position five in a six-horse field on paper, and a scratch enabled him to move one spot over to post position four. He left well from that spot and took the lead in the first eighth of a mile. However, Bank Sea rushed up to the front from post position five and tried to clear to the top. Joe Bongiorno decided to let him go, and Bank Sea cleared to the early lead through an opening quarter in sloppy conditions in 26,4 seconds.

As they moved up the backstretch for the final time, Bank Sea continued to lead, and Major Betts remained right in behind in the pocket. Turning for home, Bank Sea didn’t have much left in the tank and Major Betts easily scooted up the inside for the victory. Despite the wet weather, Major Betts paced to victory in a sharp 1:53.3. He paid $2.40 to win.

Major Betts is a 5-year-old gelding owned by JB Racing, Stephen Klunowski, Evan Katz, and trained by Jenn Bongiorno. He’s won twice from 10 starts this year, and finished in the exacta six times. Both of his wins this year have come at Freehold.

Bank Sea held on for second. Warrawee Total, Albert A’Scootin, and Bobcat Bay completed the order of finish.

Live racing resumes at Freehold Raceway on Friday (May 20), starting at about 12:30 p.m.