16-1 longshot upsets in Freehold Preferred

Colossal Stride A (Bettor’s Delight) was able to overcome a three-wide move in the backstretch and still rebound to score a 16-1 upset harness racing victory at Freehold Raceway Saturday, March 2.

The 9^th race Preferred-Handicap Pace feature, raced over a sloppy track with a two-second allowance from the judges, saw Sling Shock (Shaun Vallee) take early control and led the field to the opening quarters mile in :27.4.

It was a dogfight early on as 19-1 Marcus Seelster (Eric Davis) wanted the lead but ended up parked out first-over in second place with Franco Nador N (Austin Siegelman) following the outside flow second-over.

Still parked first-over at the half mile in :56.2, Marcus Seelster was not giving up yet to pacesetter Sling Shock. But Sling Shock was unable to hold Marcus Seelster off as the battle for the lead continue down the backstretch.

By the three-quarters in 1:26, Marcus Seelster was still parked out but had the lead on the outside. Meanwhile, moving off the pylons from fifth place and flying three-wide in the backstretch was Colossal Stride A and driver Vinnie Ginsburg, but they were unable to clear by the leaders and was in fourth place by the top of the stretch.

With Marcus Seelster taking over command starting down the stretch, Ginsburg was able to come back with Colossal Stride A and they came on late to win in an upset by a head in 1:57.2. Marcus Seelster was second with Franco Nandor N third.

COLOSSAL STRIDE A REPLAY

It was the first start on the new year for Colossal Stride A. The nine-year-old gelding from Australia is trained by Newton “Yogi” Sheraton for Royal Rock Racing and paid $34.80 to win.

Tyler Mille led all driver on the afternoon card with three winners.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink