Freehold: Burke-trained exacta in Garden State Trot

The first of five Thursdays with live racing at Freehold Raceway in 2024 featured the $50,000 Garden State Trot for 3-year-old colts and geldings.

Seven Reps, by Muscle Hill, drew the post that matches his name, number seven, and Freehold Raceway's leading driver, Austin Siegelman, was in the sulky for trainer Ron Burke. The pair looked like they were going to float to the back of the pack after the wings folded, but after three horses broke in the first turn, they were afforded a spot in the third position.

The field was very spread out when they reached the quarter pole, but they soon tightened up, and Siegelman patiently sat in third on the rail. Racing off the third turn around the half-mile oval, Robinhood (Steve Smith) pulled out of the two-hole, allowing Seven to take over the pocket spot. Going into the stretch, the first-over Robinhood began to fade, which gave Siegelman room to tip out and trot past the even-money pace-setter and his stablemate Hankins Hanover. The mile time was 1:56 3/5. At 6-1 odds, a win bet paid $15.60.

This was just the third lifetime victory and second this year for the gelding, who certainly made the most of this opportunity.

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New Jersey Sire Stakes action also took place Thursday in the form of two divisions of leg one of the Standardbred Development Fund 3-year-old filly trot for $10,000 each. Tove Palema easily took the first division as the 2-5 favorite in 1:55 3/5 for Team Miller with Tyler in the bike for his mom Julie.

The second section saw a new track record-holder in Southwind Banshee, who trotted the mile in 1:55 flat to break the previous record for 3-year-old trotting fillies by two-fifths of a second. Driver Johnathan Ahle had the honors of guiding the Muscle Hill daughter to that record-breaking victory and Jacquie Ingrassia is the proud trainer. Arden Homestead stable is the owner.

NJSS action continues at Freehold Raceway Thursday-Saturday for the next four weeks before returning to the regular Friday-Saturday schedule. Post time is 12:30 p.m. (EDT).

--edited press release (Freehold)--