Freehold, NJ — An aggressive drive by Andy Miller paid off in Freehold Raceway’s Preferred Handicap pace on Saturday (Dec. 7) as Rockin M went coast-to-coast for the victory.

Rockin M was sent off as the 7-2 second choice in the field of eight. Miller blasted off with his horse, sending him right to the lead from post five and setting a fast opening quarter of :27. Meanwhile, favored Lyons Steel, seeking his fight win in a row, couldn’t clear from post eight and was parked out almost the whole way.

Miller slowed things down in the second quarter, going the half-mile in :56.3. Nearing the three-quarters, Lyons Steel drew up to within a length of Rockin M, but the slow middle quarter gave Rockin M something left in the tank. He brushed off Lyons Steel’s challenge, and held on for a one-length victory in 1:54.3.

This is the seventh win of the year for Rockin M, his third of the Freehold season, and his second win in the Preferred. He’s owned by JL Benson Stables and trained by Nick Surick.

Despite his wide trip, Lyons Steel held on for second, while Ginger Tree Marty closed well for third. Northern Virgin, Bullet Bob, Drinkin Again, Texican, and Letschasethedream completed the order of finish.

Live racing resumes at Freehold on Friday, starting at about 12:30 p.m.