Melady's Monet Wins Freehold Friday Feature

The 12-year-old trotting veteran Melady’s Monet is no stranger to winning. He won for the 73rd time in his long career on Friday (April 16), winning the Preferred Handicap trot at Freehold Raceway by 1 length.

 

Off two consecutive wins in upper-level conditioned company at Yonkers Raceway, along with two wins in the Preferred Handicap at Freehold earlier this year, Melady’s Monet went off as the 1/5 favorite from post position eight. Driver Eric Abbatiello was patient early on, dropping the favorite into fifth position nearing the opening quarter.

 

As they headed to the half-mile point, Abbatiello moved Melady’s Monet to the outside, and began the first-over grind after the leader, Winneress. Winneress held the lead as they rounded the final turn, but in the last sixteenth, Melady’s Monet wore him down. He crossed the wire a length in front, stopping the clock in 1:58.

 

Melady’s Monet’s career earnings now total more than $1.76 million. He’s maintained his strong form in his 12-year-old season; this was his sixth win of the year from eleven starts. He’s owned by Melady Enterprises LLC and trained by Hermann Heitmann.

 

Winneress, second in the Preferred Handicap last week,held on to finish second again. Allindotime, Major Impact, Casino Cutie It, Levitation, Mugshot Jess, and Doc’s Swan Song completed the order of finish.

 

Live racing continues at Freehold on Saturday (April 17), with a 12-race program beginning at about 12:30 PM.