by Courtney Stafford, for the SBOANJ

Freehold, NJ — Freehold Raceway hosted the $40,000 Renaissance final for 2-year-old pacing colts on Saturday (Sept. 30).

World Wide Racing Photo

Melanie’s Fran was a narrow winner in a time of 2:01.2.

Lucky Leonard and Jordan Stratton opted for the front when the gate folded, while a pocket sitting Melanie’s Fran stalked the leader from the two hole, eventually pulling mid-stretch to nose out the competition for the win in 2:01.2.

The Kevin McDermott trainee marked her fourth win in six starts.

Owned by Francis Azur, the Hypnotic Blue Chip filly pushed her lifetime earnings to $117,000.