by Carol Hodes, for the SBOA of New Jersey

Manalapan, NJ — Ashleigh Udalovas, 23, will continue the tradition of two-legged Miss New Jerseys meeting the winner of the Miss New Jersey Stakes on May 28 at Meadowlands Racetrack.

Ashleigh Udalovas

Udalovas, who is from Millville, N.J., will present the trophy for the $150,000 Thomas D’Altrui Miss New Jersey, a stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies who are by New Jersey-based stallions.

Sponsored by the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey, the Miss New Jersey shares the spotlight on May 28 with the $400,000 Anthony Abbatiello New Jersey Classic for 3-year-old New Jersey-sired pacing colts.

Udalovas, who was crowned in June 2010, competed on a platform of “Read to Succeed: Improving America’s Future through Literacy.” Her reign comes to an end on June 18, 2011.

She is the founder of the Cumberland County chapter of First Book, an organization that gives books to financially disadvantaged children, and the spokesperson for Literacy Volunteers of New Jersey.

Udalovas aspires to pursue a doctorate degree and a career in educational administration.

During the talent portion of the Miss New Jersey competition, she tap danced to the Pink Panther theme song and expressed a wish to compete on the reality TV show Dancing with the Stars.