by Courtney Stafford, Publicity Consultant for SBOANJ

Freehold, NJ — Freehold Raceway was back in action with New Jersey Sire Stakes on Saturday afternoon (Oct. 1). The $25,000 NJSS Green Acres final for 3-year-old colt pacers was held as a non-wagering race before the card. Two divisions of the newest NJSS races were held during the card in the second leg of the $10,000 Standardbred Development Fund for 2-year-old pacers.

World Wide Racing Photos

Austin Rocks broke his maiden in NJSS action at Freehold on Saturday.

Austin Rocks with driver Eric Abbatiello left the gate from the rail position and held off a quarter-move from Perchance To Dream to get the win in 1:59.1. Rock N Roll Style was second while Perchance To Dream held on for third. The Rocknroll Hanover colt picked up his first lifetime win in the $25,000 final. Kerry Feyker-Weed and M Kenneth Weed of Egg Harbor Township, N.J. bred the Stacy Chiodo trainee.

The third race was the NJSS Standardbred Development Fund for 2-year-old colt pacers; Deo Galileo, trained by Rick McNair, upset the 1-9 favorite Every Way Out. Driver Jeff Gregory avoided two breakers to brush to the lead just before the quarter-mile. Down the stretch, Deo Galileo held off a late surge by Sir Pugsley stopping the clock in 1:57.4. Firefox Hanover finished the trifecta. The If I Can Dream-Madam Countess colt notched win number two in eight starts for the season and was bred by MJG Racing Stables Inc and Louis A Willinger.

The filly division of the Standardbred Development Fund had another upset. Steve Smith guided Misqued to take the lead from the 2-5 favorite Designated Drinker just before the half-mile. Drawing away from the field, the John Balzer trainee cruised to a four-length win in 1:57.3. Designated Drinker and Rita Maid rounded out the trifecta for the eighth race. The If I Can Dream-Lu Lu Q filly remains undefeated in both legs of the Standardbred Development Fund stakes and was bred by Steve Stewart.

Live racing a Freehold will resume on Thursday (Oct. 6) with a post time of 12:30 p.m.