Seven Reps causes upset, Track record to Southwind Banshee

The first of five Thursdays to host live harness racing at Freehold Raceway in 2024 featured the $50,000 Garden State Trot for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings.

Seven Reps by Muscle Hill drew the post that matches his name, number seven. Freehold Raceway’s leading driver, Austin Siegelman, was in the sulky for trainer Ron Burke. The pair looked like they were going to float to the back of the pack after the wings folded. However, when three horses broke in the first turn, they were afforded a spot in the third position.

The field was very spread out when they reached the quarter pole but they soon tightened up and Siegelman patiently sat in third on the rail. Going into the final turn around the half-mile oval, Siegelman’s cover pulled to first-over, allowing him to take over the pocket spot. Going into the stretch, the first-over horse began to fade which gave Siegelman room to go out and trot passed the even-money pace-setter, Hankins Hanover. The mile time was 1:56.3. At 6-1 odds, a win bet paid $15.60.

This was just the third lifetime victory and second this year for the gelding who certainly made the most of this opportunity.

SEVEN REPS REPLAY

New Jersey Sire Stakes action also took place today in the form of two divisions of leg one of the Standardbred Development Fund 3-year-old filly trot for $10,000 each. Tove Palema easily took the first division as the 2-5 favorite in 1:55.3 for team Miller with Tyler in the bike for his mom.

The second division saw the makings of a new track-record-holder in Southwind Banshee (Muscle Hill) who trotted the mile in 1:55 flat to break the previous record for three-year-old trotting fillies by two fifths of a second. Driver John Ahle had the honors of guiding the Muscle Hill daughter to that record-breaking victory and Jaqueline Ingrassia is the proud trainer; Arden Homestead stable is the owner.

SOUTHWIND BANSHEE REPLAY

NJSS action continues at Freehold Raceway Thursday-Saturday for the next four weeks before returning to the regular Friday-Saturday schedule. Post time is 12:30pm.

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

by Katie Eick, for Freehold Raceway