by Don Bielak, publicity director, Freehold Raceway

Freehold, NJ — A field of seven will face the starter in the featured $17,000 Invitational handicap for pacers at Freehold Raceway on Saturday.

The lukewarm 3-1 favorite is Newman Racing Stable, Jerry Silva, Sampson Street Stables and Rosalie Silva’s Radar Sign. Most recently, the four-year-old son of Life Sign finished out of the money in rounds of the Presidential Series at the Meadowlands on January 10 and January 17.

Although out of the money in three outings so far in 2004, Radar Sign compiled a 13-4-1 across the board record last year, while earning more than $580,000 in purses, and a wake up call could be in the offing in Saturday’s main event.

Jack Moiseyev has been named to drive by trainer Nat Varty. The duo will leave the gate from post one.

Another that could show major improvement is Art Attack. The 10-year-old Artsplace stallion was apparently in need of his latest when he finished sixth against Invitational company at Freehold on January 17 after missing nearly a month due to sickness. Art Attack has beaten Invitational competition several times at Freehold and figures to give a good account of himself off his last useful tightener.

Art Attack will open on the board as the 7-2 second choice in the early line and will start from post two. Ted Wing, who owns and trains Art Attack, will be in the sulky.

Last week’s winner of the Invitational, Happy Together N, must also be given a long look in Saturday’s feature. Over the past two seasons, the six-year-old Armbro Operative gelding has notched 15 wins in 38 starts, primarily against Open and Invitational company.

Happy Together N has been assigned the outside post seven and has been installed as the 7-2 co-second choice in the line. Stephane Bouchard has been given the driving assignment by trainer Chris Height.

Noble Cam, Star Bonus A, Whosurboy and Arizona Liar complete the field for the feature.

First post for Saturday’s 13 race program at Freehold has been set at 12:30 p.m.