Freehold: Live racing returns Friday

Freehold Raceway, located in central New Jersey, has returned from its summer break and will begin the summer/fall meet on Friday, August 27, with a 10-race card.

The meet is generally headlined by the New Jersey Sire Stakes-Standardbred Development Fund series, and this year is no exception. The series kicks off on Friday with the first leg of the series for 3-year-old filly trotters. The race drew 10 entries and was split into two divisions of five.

Ron Burke holds the upper hand in both divisions. In the first division, scheduled as the fifth race, he'll send out likely heavy favorite Hot as Hill. She's been stakes-placed several times this year and was most recently seventh in the Hambletonian Oaks at the Meadowlands. She'll leave from post position three with Joe Bongiorno down to drive. Because of her presence, there will be no place or show wagering on that race.

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In the second division, which will be the eighth race on the program, Burke also has the likely favorite in Avenir. She's won her last two races, including an impressive win in 1:54 3/5 last out at Harrah's Philadelphia and has post position two with Bongiorno in tow. Her toughest competition will come from her inside in the form of Pub Crawl. She won a leg of the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes at The Meadows in July. Andy Miller has the drive for trainer Julie Miller.

The card also features the Fillies & Mares Preferred Handicap pace scheduled as the sixth race. Burke has the likely favorite in there as well with Feelin Red Hot. She'll leave from the outside post in the field of six.

Gates open at 11:00 AM on Friday, with the first race scheduled for 12:30 PM. Fans who purchase a Freehold live program will receive an opening day t-shirt, while supplies last.

-edited release (Freehold)