Nells Bells upsets in Freehold main event
January 23, 2004,by Don Bielak, publicity director, Freehold Raceway
Freehold, NJ — Nells Bells, with George Brennan in the sulky, unleashed a powerful rally to win the featured $14,200 Open handicap for filly and mare pacers at Freehold Raceway on Friday.
Nells Bells took command nearing the three-quarter mile mark and extended her lead through the stretch to win by two and a half lengths in a final time of 1:573. Alanis M (Jim Morrill, Jr.) nailed down the place spot and Short Pockets (Daniel Dube) finished third, three lengths behind the winner.
Nells Bells, a four-year-old daughter of Dragon’s Lair, won for the second time in three outings this year in taking the feature for her owners, Darby’s Edge Stable, Joseph Di Scala, Jr., and Ed Mullinax. Overlooked in the wagering at 8-1, the Virgil Morgan-trainee returned a win mutuel of $19.80.