by Carol Hodes, for the New Jersey Sire Stakes

Freehold, NJ — Northern Mcardle held on for a half-length victory to claim the $35,000 New Jersey Sire Stakes-Green Acres Final for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Tuesday, September 16, at Freehold Raceway.

The son of McArdle–Major’s Sister, owned and bred by Northern Lane Farm of Grabill, Indiana, grabbed the lead at the quarter and held off Crystal Guy (Artiscape) for the victory in 1:55. A Little Crazy (McArdle) was three-quarters of a length back in third.

Northern Mcardle, driven by Jeff Gregory and trained by Don Niccum, paid $7.40, $5.60, and $2.40. Crystal Guy returned $7.40 and $5.40 and A Little Crazy paid $2.40.

It was Northern Mcardle’s sixth win with five seconds and four thirds in 28 career starts and pushed his earnings over the $51,000 mark. This year, he has finished in-the-money in nine of 21 tries.