by Carol Hodes, for the SBOANJ

Freehold, NJ — Western Pioneer, making his first start for new owners, overcame a judges’ inquiry to post his first career victory in the $43,000 New Jersey Futurity for 2-year-old pacers, the ninth race on Saturday (Oct. 25) at Freehold Raceway.

Western Pioneer, a son of Western Ideal-Up Front Fire bred by Hanover Shoe Farms, paced the mile in 1:55.1, getting up in the final strides to catch Edward Teach (Rocknroll Hanover) for a three-quarter length victory, his first in 12 career starts. Rock N’ Roll World (Rocknroll Hanover), the Green Acres champion, was third by 4-1/2 lengths.

Dealt A Winner, the pre-race favorite, was scratched sick, leaving seven starters.

Western Pioneer, driven by Tim Tetrick and trained by Nancy Johansson, was purchased as a yearling at the Harrisburg Sale for $15,000 by Perry Soderberg. Ownership was transferred to 3 Brothers Stables and Johansson on Oct. 17.

Sent off as the slight 2-1 favorite over Cheyenne Robin (Rocknroll Hanover), one of two fillies in the field, Western Pioneer ($6.20) made his move to the outside at the three-quarters as Edward Teach took the lead, prompting the judges’ review.

Western Pioneer has finished in the money in five of 12 starts for earnings of $72,274.

The New Jersey Futurity is sponsored by the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey.