Test Ride, Na Na Na Baatman Win Kelly Finals at Freehold

Freehold Raceway wrapped up the Harold Kelly Memorial Pacing Series this Saturday (January 23), with a pair of finals.

 

The division I final was restricted to horses with a TrackMaster Horse Rating between 68.00 and 71.50 at the start of the series. Test Ride, a first-leg winner two races back, took home the lion’s share of the $10,000 purse with a 1 1/2-length victory. 

 

Jim Marohn Jr sent him to the front early on from post position three, and though he had a hard time clearing to the lead, he made it there just after the opening quarter. He maintained the lead heading around the far turn the final time, then encountered a stiff challenge from Panther’s Pinot as they turned for home. However, Test Ride held everyone at bay, and held on for the 2/1 win. He’s owned by George Beck and trained by Symon Spicer.

 

The division II final was held a few races later, and featured horses with a TrackMaster Horse Rating between 71.50 and 75.00. Taste of History, who had never trailed in the first two legs, was sent off as the overwhelming 1/10 favorite from the inside post.

 

However, it was Na Na Na Baatman who proved the hero. He wore down Taste of History in the stretch, to pull off a 6/1 upset. That’s his second win of the year from four starts, after hitting the board in the first two legs of the series. Daniel Dube had the winning drive for owner Jennifer Orozco and Izzy Estrada, covering the mile in 1:58.3. Orozco and Estrada also sent out third-place finisher Major Jesse.

 

Live racing resumes at Freehold on Thursday, starting at about 12:30 PM. There will be a carryover in the pick 5, of $782.