Freehold: Southwind Java percolates in NJSS-SDF final

Southwind Java dug in on the front-end in the stretch and captured Saturday afternoon's $56,000 New Jersey Sire Stakes-Standardbred Development Fund final for sophomore pacing fillies at Freehold Raceway.

Starting from post one, Southwind Java (Austin Siegelman) left and allowed Shabby Chic (Jim Marohn Jr.), who fired out from post six, to clear her for the early lead. Siegelman didn't want the pocket, though, and moved Southwind Java to the outside going to the 27 2/5 opening quarter, and she would take the top spot beyond that marker.

From there, Southwind Java hit the half in 56 1/5 and the three-quarters in 1:24 4/5, but Shabby Chic tipped out on the final turn and rallied at Southwind Java on the rim. Southwind Java just wouldn't be denied, though, and fought off Shabby Chic through the lane and to the wire, scoring by a head in 1:53 3/5. Two Proud (Pat Lachance) finished third.

► Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter

A daughter of Captaintreacherous bred by Southwind Farms, Southwind Java is co-owned by trainer Mark Harder in partnership with Dean Lockhart, Wayne Carleton, and Deena Frost. Southwind Java is now a seven-time winner from 26 starts, she has earned $148,990, and she paid $3.00 to win as the 1-2 favorite.