Freehold, NJ –— Since starting his own harness racing stable in 2019, Izzy Estrada has become one of the top trainers at Freehold Raceway. He had a big day on Saturday (November 27), as he tries to lock down the leading trainer title.
Estrada won with his first two horses of the day, taking race 3 with heavy favorite Amrcanbootscoota A, then prevailing in race 4 in a three-horse photo with Fast N Victorious. Luke Hanners had the winning drive on both horses.
After defeats in races 5 and 6, Estrada bounced back with a win in the Preferred Handicap Pace, prevailing with Prince Mcardle N ($11.00). The 8-year-old McArdle gelding joined the Estrada barn in mid-October, and won a $50,000 claiming race last week at Yonkers Raceway.
Leaving from post position one, Troy Beyer sent his drive straight to the front, and kept Kerford Road A parked early on while setting fast fractions. Prince Mcardle N disposed of his rival around the third turn, then opened up around the final turn. Although pocket-sitting On Accident gave him a mild challenge late, Prince Mcardle N had enough late to hold on and win by 1 1/2 lengths in 1:53.4.
Prince Mcardle N has now won four times from 29 starts on the year, with earnings of almost $60,000. Brian Carsey is the winning owner.
PRINCE MCARDLE N REPLAY
Estrada has now won 29 races at Freehold in 2021, the most of any trainer with seven days left in the season. His 15 wins at the summer/fall meet have him in second during that stretch, behind Brandon Mongiello’s 17 victories.
Live racing resumes at Freehold on Friday (December 3), starting at about 12:30 PM.
For full race results, click here.
From Freehold Raceway