Can both Gertrude, Delgado sweep NJSS finals

Freehold, NJ — The New Jersey Sire Stakes-Standardbred Development Fund harness racing series continues at Freehold Raceway on Friday (October 8), with a pair of $56,000 finals for 2-year-old trotters.

The final for fillies is scheduled as the fifth race, with a post time of 1:50 PM. All eyes will be on post position two, as Gertrude (Devious Man) looks to build on two impressive performances earlier in the series.

She won the first two legs of the series by a combined 9 1/2 lengths, coming from behind both times. She’s the 4-5 morning line favorite in the seven-horse field. Tyler Miller has the drive for his parents, owner Andy Miller and trainer Julie Miller.

Because of Gertrude’s imposing presence, there will be no show wagering offered.

The seventh race is the final for colts and geldings.

Delgado (Trixton) has been on a hot streak for trainer Ron Coyne Jr, having broken or tied a track record in his last two starts. He won the first leg at 10-1 in 1:57, becoming the fastest 2-year-old male trotter in Freehold history in the process. He equaled the mark last week in winning the second leg.

He has not yet gone off as the favorite in the series, but that is likely to change on Friday. Dan Dube has the drive from the inside post position, for owners Robert Young and Russell Pickup. No show wagering will be offered on this race, either.

The Friday card includes a carryover in the 50-cent pick 5, which starts in race 5. The carryover is worth $1,128.98. Post time for the first of 11 races at Freehold on Friday is scheduled for 12:30 PM.

From Freehold Raceway