Preferred Trot won in an upset

Freehold, NJ — Friday’s (Dec. 10) Preferred Handicap harness racing trot looked like another coronation for Melady’s Monet. A four-time winner at Freehold Raceway this year, he was coming off a win in the Open Handicap at Yonkers Raceway two starts back and was consequently made the 1/5 favorite.

Drazzmatazz had other ideas, however, and rallied to win by a length in an 11/1 upset.  The Vincent Stallworth-trained gelding rated in fourth position early on and stayed there until the third turn.

Eric Abbatiello had moved first-over with Melady’s Monet, and Luke Hanners decided to pick up cover behind the favorite with Drazzmatazz.

As they rounded the far turn, Melady’s Monet poked his head in front, but his move began to stall. Sensing this, Hanners moved Drazzmatazz three-wide to give him clear sailing as they turned for home.

Drazzmatazz seized control in the last sixteenth and held off the late rally of Dot Dot Dot Dash to win in 1:58. Melady’s Monet checked in third.

DRAZZMATAZZ REPLAY

Drazzmatazz is owned by Danbry Racing Inc. He’s won five times on the year from 36 starts, and 26 times in his career from 167 tries, with earnings of more than $357,000.

Live racing continues at Freehold on Saturday (December 11), with an 11-race start starting at about 12:30 PM. There will be a carryover in the pick 5, starting in race 5, worth $553.04.

For full race results, click here.

From Freehold Raceway