JK Finendandy Wins NJSS Final at Freehold Saturday

JK Finendandy proved her big win last Saturday was no fluke, as she won the final of the New Jersey Sire Stakes- Standardbred Development Fund for 3-year-old filly pacers this Saturday (September 12) at Freehold Raceway.

 

She won her division of the second leg last week by an impressive 5 1/2 lengths. Off that win, she was the 1/5 favorite. Leaving from the inside post, Joe Bongiorno got her to the lead after a quarter-mile, after sitting second early on. She encountered steady pressure from Caviart Heather as they rounded the third turn and neared three-quarters, but JK Finendandy shook off that challenge and drew off. She cruised under the wire 2 1/4 lengths in front, stopping the clock in 1:54.3. 

 

This marks her second win in a row, and of her career, and puts her earnings over the $140,000 mark. She’s owned by Mark and Jacob Graber, Loren Schmucker, and Brookside Stables, trained by Jenn Bongiorno, and driver Joe Bongiorno. The Bongiornos teamed up for another win in the next race, scoring in the eighth race with Hot Deuce.

 

Git Go got second at 25/1, while Caviart Heather held well after her wide trip and was third. \

 

Earlier in the card, the second leg of the NJSS-SDF for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers was held. JK Lucky Charms got the victory there, holding off a surge from Rock N Teen to win by 3/4 of a length. He’s now won both legs of the NJSS-SDF series, for owner 3 Brothers Stables and Pelling Racing, trainer Brett Pelling, and driver Todd McCarthy. His final time was also 1:54.3.

 

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