Matticulous Headlines Saturday Freehold Feature

He’s won at the Meadowlands, Pocono Downs, and Harrah’s Philadelphia since coming stateside. Now, Matticulous will take his talents to Freehold Raceway on Saturday (January 11), as he headlines a field of eight Preferred handicap pacers.

 

Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Matticulous began his career there, before coming to the United States for the Ron Burke barn in October. Since then, he’s been on a tear, with five wins and a second from six starts. Perhaps his most impressive performance came at the Meadowlands on November 23, when he paced a winning mile in 1:50.1. He went the last quarter that night in a blazing 25.2 seconds. 

 

Matticiulous will be making his first start since December 9 at Yonkers Raceway, when he finished second as the 3/5 favorite, behind 2018 Metro Pace winner Stag Party. On January 4, Matticulous turned in a strong qualifying mile at the Meadowlands, going the distance in 1:54.3. He was assigned the outside post position for Saturday’s tilt, and figures to get strong wagering support.

 

The best of the challengers appear to be The Onlyest One and Benson Boys. The former won the Preferred at Freehold three starts back, and finished third at the level, behind stablemate Lucan Hanover, last week. Jack Baggitt will drive that one for the first time, for trainer Nick Surick. He was assigned post position six. Benson Boys is undefeated since coming to the United States in October, winning four straight races between Pocono and Yonkers. Joe Bongiorno is named to drive for his sister Jenn, leaving from post seven.

 

The rest of the field consists of, from the inside out, Polak, Bullet Bob, Ozone Blue Chip, Clint Westwood, and Gotta Go BB. It’s scheduled as the eighth race, with a post time of 3:10 PM EST.