Wild action in Freehold Preferred Pace

They were harness racing fast and furious at Freehold Raceway Saturday (Jan. 28) afternoon, especially in the $12,000 Preferred-Handicap pacing feature that saw non-stop action from start to finish.

The 10^th race got underway with three lead changes by the opening quarter mile in :27. First on the lead was Sombodytreasure (Tyler Miller) and they gave way to East Beach (Steve Smith). Then quickly came Fullback (Austin Siegelman) to the front with On Accident (Troy Beyer) left first-over.

By the half mile in a quick :55.3, Fullback was still on the lead with On Accident parked out first-over. Now Haggard (Big Bad John) and driver Brett Beckwith came second-over with Time Watch (Jack Pelling) third-over.

As they reached the backstretch, Beckwith moved three-wide with Haggard trying to get by On Accident, which seemed to urge him on as pacesetter Fullback backed up on the field. On Accident cleared to the lead by the three-quarters in 1:25.1 with Haggard now first-over and gaining ground and Time Watch sweeping three-wide on the final turn.

Haggard could not be stopped as he cleared to the lead on the final turn with Time Watch stalking his every move. But Haggard still had a little left in the tank to hold off Time Watch and win by one length in 1:54.4. Euphoria N (Shaun Vallee) was third.

HAGGARD REPLAY

It was the first win in four starts this year for Haggard. The six-year-old gelding is trained by John Bavosi for owner Jeff Webster and paid $11.80 to win.

For complete race results, click here.

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink