Freehold: Podium Girl matches track record in NJSS-SDF final

History was made at Freehold Raceway on Saturday, as Podium Girl wrapped up the New Jersey Sire Stakes-Standardbred Development Fund series with a bang. She won the $56,000 final for 2-year-old pacing fillies in 1:54 3/5, equaling the track record.

Off an impressive win in the first leg of the series two weeks ago, she was sent off as the 1-5 favorite in the field of eight. Driver George Brennan had her in the pocket early on behind In High Cotton, but soon moved her to the front and got her to the lead at the half. She maintained a comfortable lead going by three-quarters, and pulled away in the stretch to win by 3 1/2 lengths.

Podium Girl's win marks the third time a 2-year-old filly has paced in 1:54 3/5 at Freehold. The mark was first set by Darlin's Delight, who won the Molly Pitcher on August 20, 2005. It was then equaled by I Kill Time while winning the NJSS-SDF final on September 25, 2010.

For Podium Girl, Saturday's win marks her fifth career victory from 11 starts and pushes her career earnings past the $104,000 mark. She's owned by Henderson Farms, Robert Mondillo, and Barry Spak, and trained by Chris Ryder.

--press release (Freehold)--