Pelling Looks for Big Day at Freehold Saturday

The final of the New Jersey Sire Stakes- Standardbred Development Fund for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers, along with a tough renewal of the Preferred Handicap pace, headline Freehold Raceway’s Saturday card. Both races will go through trainer Brett Pelling.

 

In the final, Pelling will seek a sweep of the series, with JK Lucky Charms. This gelding, who Pelling co-owns with 3 Brothers Racing, won the first two legs of the series in front-running efforts. Last week, he won by 3/4 of a length in a sharp 1:54.3. His task will be a bit tougher than usual, however. In the first two legs, he had post position one. On Saturday, he’ll have to leave from post position eight. Todd McCarthy maintains the drive.

 

Force N Fury, who has hit the board in both legs, Rock N Teen, who was a fast-closing second to JK Lucky Charms last out, and Rockin Jukebox, second in the first leg two weeks ago, look like the toughest rivals. The race is scheduled as the sixth race, with a post time of 2:10 PM EDT.

 

One race later, Pelling will send out the appropriately named Springsteen in the Preferred. This 5-year-old is best known for winning the 2018 Max Hempt Memorial at the Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono. He’s won three times from five starts on the year, including an impressive 1:48.1 mile at the Meadowlands. Most recently, he was seventh in the Send it In Invitational at Scioto Downs.

 

He was assigned post position eight, with driver George Brennan.

 

The first of twelve at Freehold on Saturday will be at about 12:30 PM EDT.