Freehold: Captain Fancy, Podium Girl collect stakes wins on Saturday

Freehold Raceway hosted a pair of stakes on Saturday (October 3). One saw an upset, the other saw a favorite win.

The first leg of the New Jersey Sire Stakes-Standardbred Development Fund for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers was expected to be a coronation for King James Express. Off a string of stakes wins, he was the 1-5 favorite in the field of six. However, he broke stride twice, costing him a chance at victory.

Meanwhile, second choice Captain Fancy saved ground, then got by pace-setter Not Today to win by 1 3/4 lengths. He avenged his defeat to King James Express in the Renaissance last week with this win. He went the mile in 1:58 for owners Vincent Ali, Alma Iafelice, and Ted Gewertz, trainer Bill MacKenzie, and driver Dan Dube.

Later in the day, the Renaissance for 2-year-old filly pacers was held. Dube was looking for a stakes sweep, driving Significant Other. He went out to a clear lead with his filly and led turning for home at 36-1. However, favored Podium Girl closed strongly from the back of the pack and got up to win by three-quarters of a length. She paced the mile in 1:57 2/5 for her third win of her career. George Brennan was in the bike for owners Henderson Farms, Robert Mondillo, and Barry Spak and trainer Chris Ryder.

--press release (Freehold)--