Freehold: Sophomore trotters featured in NJ Sire Stakes

Trainer Tom Fanning elected to bypass the first leg of the New Jersey Sire Stakes - Standardbred Development Fund (NJSS-SDF) with No Drama Please, hoping to keep him fresh for the later legs in the series. The strategy worked like a charm, as No Drama Please won the second leg of the series for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters on Friday afternoon at Freehold Raceway.

One of Lucas Wallin's two trotters in the field, Sovereign Deo, went out and set a loose early lead. Aided by some breaks to his chief rivals, he was in front by six lengths heading up the backstretch the final time. Nearing three-quarters, Austin Siegelman launched his rally with No Drama Please, advancing him up the pylons with dead aim on the leader. Turning for home, Sovereign Deo was still in front, but No Drama Please had all the momentum, and he coasted on by for a 1 1/2 length victory.

No Drama Please showed promise as a 2-year-old, including a victory in the NJSS - SDF final over this track. However, while he's picked up $106,000 in earnings, this was his first win of his sophomore campaign from 17 starts. He's owned by Joseph Smith, and was bred by T L P Stable of New Jersey. He went the mile in 1:58 1/5.

The second leg of the NJSS - SDF for 3-year-old filly trotters drew a field of four and was contested as a non-wagering race. French Cafe was sent right to the lead by driver Troy Beyer and held steady for a 1 1/4 length victory. She went the mile in 2:00 1/5 for owners Marvin Katz and Al Libfield and trainer Julie Miller. That was her fourth win of her 3-year-old year, including two victories in Kentucky Sire Stakes action at The Red Mile. She's earned almost $106,000 this year.

--press release (Freehold)--