by Don Bielak, publicity director, Freehold Raceway

Freehold, NJ — Three $6,000 divisions of the opening round of the Windshield Wiper Pacing Series for three-year-old colts and geldings were contested at Freehold Raceway on Friday.

In the first division, Heather Ronay’s Pleasing Artist recorded a pacesetting victory with Howard Parker at the reins. The son of Real Artist set fractions of :28, :58, and 1:27¹ en route to a one length, 1:56 score. Jate’s Skyhawk (Jonathan Roberts) sat a pocket trip and finished second. Jasper Bob (Yannick Gingras) rallied mildly and nailed down the show spot, four and one-half lengths behind the winner.

Pleasing Artist notched his third win in 13 outings this year in capturing his division of the Windshield Wiper. The Don Queen-trainee returned $3.20 as the favorite in the wagering.

Division two saw Hoffer Brothers Stable’s Vintage Cam score a wire-to-wire win with Stephen Smith in the sulky. The gelded son of Cambest led the field through splits of :28¹, :58¹, and 1:27¹ for three-quarters of a mile on the way to a one length, 1:55¹ tally. Art Director (George Brennan) closed well to finish second and Cagey Cole (Cat Manzi) outfinished tired horses and took third, beaten six and three-quarter lengths.

The victory was the sixth in 12 starts this season for Vintage Cam. The trainee of Bruce Riegle rewarded his supporters with a win mutuel of $13.20.

Ribbonships’ Chart Carrier prevailed in a long stretch duel to win the third division of the Windshield Wiper. The Magical Mike gelding responded to urging by driver Jeff Gregory and got up by a neck at the wire in a rapid 1:54¹. Dixie Pride (Joseph Offutt) led from the gate but could not withstand the surge of the winner while finishing a game second. It was another length and a half back to Molsam I Am (Jim Morrill, Jr.) in third.

Chart Carrier, who is trained by Jeff Smith, increased his seasonal — and career — unbeaten streak to four. Sent postward as the 11-10 choice, Chart Carrier paid $4.20 to win.