Freehold: Rookie pacers set to battle in NJSDF final

A field of seven 2-year-old pacers are set to square off in the New Jersey Sire Stakes-Standardbred Development Fund Final at Freehold Raceway this Saturday (October 17). Some are looking to build off big efforts, others are seeking redemption.

Renaissance winner King James Express was heavily bet in each of the first two legs, going off at 1/5 in leg 1 and 2/5 in leg 2. Unfortunately for him, he made breaks both times and lost all chance. When he won the Renaissance he made an early miscue, but managed to stay pacing the rest of the way. To win this one, he'll have to keep the breaks to a minimum. Jason Bartlett is in the bike from post position seven, for trainer Mark Harder.

The winners of each leg will face off here as well. Captain Fancy lost the Renaissance by a head, then went on to win the first leg in a sharp 1:58. Trainer Bill MacKenzie elected to bypass the second leg last week to keep him fresh for the final. Daniel Dube keeps the drive, from post position four.

Not Today won the second leg in gate-to-wire style, setting a cozy pace and cruising to the wire in 1:59 4/5. Marcus Miller will likely send him to the lead again from post position three for trainer Erv Miller.

Cheese Omelet, Imaginary Line, Hurrikane Georgie, and Solid Alibi round out the field. The race is scheduled as the third race, with a listed post time of 1:10 PM.

Post time for the first race on Saturday is scheduled for 12:30 PM.

-edited release (Freehold)