Clarebear speeds away from rivals

Freehold, NJ — A big first-over move paid off for Clarebear at Freehold Raceway on Friday (January 10), as she won the fillies & mares Preferred harness racing pace by 1 3/4 lengths.

 

Sent off as the 8/5 favorite from the outside post position eight, she dropped into fifth place in the early stages. Approaching the half-mile pole, driver Vinny Ginsburg sent her to the outside, leading the first-over charge to challenge early leader Shecouldbegood. Heading around the final turn, Clarebear cleared to the front and kicked away from her rivals.

 

She had a 4 1/2 length lead entering the stretch, and although her rivals cut into the margin late, she had more than enough to hold on for the win. The final time was 1:54.3 for the mile, including a final quarter in 28.4 seconds.

 

 

The seven-year-old mare is owned by Cavalli Veloci Stables and trained by Mike Russo. She finished third by a neck last week, after getting parked out almost the whole way. For her career, she's earned more than $317,000, while winning 23 races.

 

Petal to the Metal closed well to get second at 11/1, while Cruisinwithmybaby was third at 12/1. She's a Billionair, Stonebridge Honey, Unspoken Promise, I Wish You Well, and Shecouldbegood completed the order of finish.

 

Live racing continues at Freehold on Saturday, starting at 12:30 PM EST. The 11-race card features two carryovers: the early pick 4, beginning in race 2, has a carryover of $881.11. The pick 5, starting in race 5, has a carryover of $718.39.