$100,000 Garden State trots held at Freehold

The $100,000 Garden State for three-year-old harness racing trotting colts and geldings was held at Freehold Raceway Thursday, September 14 with two $50,000 divisions.

The 3^rd race first division saw 5-1 Wallandar (Walner) and driver Andy Miller wire the field, just holding off Cal Miles N Shell (Jim Marohn, Jr.) to win by a neck in 1:58.1. The pocket sitting race favorite Drink Up Drink Up (Pat Lachance) was also in the photo finish, third by a neck.

WALLANDAR REPLAY

It was the third win this year for Wallandar, who is trained by Julie Miller for the Andy Miller Stable and Little E. Little E bred Wallandar, who paid $12.40 to win.

In the 5^th race second $50,000 division of the Garden State it was Optrix (Trixton) and driver Austin Siegelman who were able to grind it out first-over against race favorite and pacesetter Dyladmar (Jim Marohn, Jr.).

Dyladmar shot right out to the early lead from the rail with Purple Lord (Steve Smith) getting the two-hole spot. After the half mile Siegelman moved Optrix off the rail from third and came after Dyladmar, take the lead on the final turn and then kicked in a :27.4 last quarter mile to win by one length in 1:58.1. Dyladmar was second with Candy Bomber (Daniel Dube) third.

OPTRIX REPLAY

It was the second straight win and fifth victory of the year for Optrix, who is trained by Tony Dinges for owners Tom Jackson, Howard Taylor and Jenna Cornelison. He paid $7.40 to win. Optrix was bred by Millstream Stable and Aldebaran Park.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink