Freehold: King James Express rules in Renaissance final

The result might have been a bit closer than he liked, but King James Express did what he was expected to do, and won the $56,000 Renaissance Pace for 2-year-old colts and geldings at Freehold Raceway on Saturday (September 26).

Off his win in the New York Sire Stakes final at Yonkers Raceway, he was made the 4-5 favorite in the field of five. He sat in the pocket most of the way, tracking behind leader Captain Fancy. As they rolled around the turn, he moved two-wide, contending with both Captain Fancy and three-wide Solid Alibi.

Turning for home, Solid Alibi began to give way, and King James Express collared Captain Fancy. Even though that rival fought back, King James Express wore him down, and crossed under the wire a head in front. The final time was 1:56.

For King James Express, it's his fourth win of the year from seven races, with earnings now beyond the $200,000 mark. He's trained by Mark Harder, who co-owns with Frost, Carleton, and Lockhart. Jason Bartlett was the winning pilot.

Earlier in the day at Freehold, two divisions of the Homegrown Pace for 3-year-olds were held. The $32,000 division for colts and geldings went to JK Lucky Charms, who avenged his defeat in the New Jersey Sire Stakes-Standardbred Development Fund final last week with a 1 1/4 length victory. Todd McCarthy was the winning driver for trainer Brett Pelling. Pelling also co-owns with 3 Brothers Racing.

The $38,000 division for fillies was dominated by JK Finendandy, who won by 6 1/2 lengths in an impressive 1:54. She made the lead easily from post five and cruised around the track, winning as much the best. Jenn Bongiorno is the winning trainer for owners Gruber, Gruber, Schmucker, and Brookside Stables. Joe Bongiorno was the winning driver.

--press release (Freehold)--