Smalltownthrowdown Dominant at Freehold Friday

Smalldownthrowdown threw down the challenge early, and no one was able to catch him as he cruised to victory in the Preferred Handicap trot at Freehold Raceway on Friday (March 26).

 

Off three wins earlier this season, and a recent fifth-place finish in the Open Handicap at Yonkers, Smalltownthrowdown was the 7/2 third choice in the field of six. Jim Marohn Jr left quickly from post position five, setting up shop on the front end and setting respectable opening fractions. He went the first quarter in 28 4/5 seconds, followed by an opening half mile in 58 seconds.

 

As they neared three-quarters, Casino Cutie It launched a strong first-over bid, with Chaptiama grabbing cover and favored Obrigado saving ground in the pocket. However, Smalltownthrowdown remained strong on the lead, never looking like he was in serious danger. In the stretch, he drew away to win by two lengths. His time of 1:55 3/5 is the second-fastest ever trotted by an aged gelding at Freehold, eclipsed only by the 1:54 4/5 mark set by Stormy Kromer last August.

 

Smalltownthrowdown is owned by Wish Me Luck Stables and trained by Mike Terpolilli. His career earnings are now north of $1.07 million.

 

Obrigado, Chaptiama, Casino Cutie It, Allindotime, and King Cast rounded out the order of finish.

 

Live racing at Freehold continues on Saturday (March 27), with a 13-race card starting at about 12:30 PM.