Gate-to-wire for Windsong Pioneer

Freehold, NJ — Windsong Pioneer won the Preferred Handicap harness racing trot at Freehold Raceway this Friday (May 14), for his second victory at the track in the last three weeks.

Last week, he finished second by a neck in the Preferred Handicap trot, and sought revenge this week. He was sent off as the 2/1 second choice in the field of six, with Top Flight Angel the 4/5 favorite and last week’s winner, Drazzmatazz, the second choice at 7/2.

Leaving the gate, Austin Siegelman hustled Windsong Pioneer to the lead, clearing from the outside post to the lead and establishing control at the opening quarter. He set a moderate opening quarter of 28 seconds, and a half-mile fraction of 57 seconds. All the while, he kept Top Flight Angel parked out, never letting the favorite see a pylon.

Despite game rallies from Drazzmatazz and Kasha V, no one could catch Windsong Pioneer, and he held on for a one-length win in 1:56.4.

Windsong Pioneer is owned by Thomas Ceraso Jr and trained by Paul Stafford. In his career, he’s won 16 times from 68 starts, while earning more than $140,000.

Drazzmatazz and Kasha V finished in a dead heat for second. Winneress, Shoemaker Hanover, and Top Flight Angel completed the order of finish.

Live racing at Freehold continues on Saturday (May 15), with a 13-race card starting at about 12:30 PM.