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Friday, October 5, 2012

Fhld - AUNT MEL CAPTURES $45,000 NEW JERSEY FUTURITY

MANALAPAN, NJ – October 5, 2012 – Aunt Mel extended her winning streak to three with a victory in the $45,000 New Jersey Futurity for three-year-old trotters on Friday, October 5, 2012 at Freehold Raceway.

The New Jersey Futurity, restricted to New Jersey-sired horses, is sponsored by the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey.  The open division for sophomore trotters drew five geldings and four fillies in the fourth race feature.

The daughter of Yankee Glide-Kimmie Hall posted her eighth win of the year in 18 starts and 10th in 31 career outings.

Aunt Mel, driven by Steve Smith and trained by Erv Miller, trotted the mile in 1:57.3 and finished a length and three-quarters ahead of Chocolatta De Vie by Chocolatier.  The pacesetter, Flower Bouquet by Muscles Yankee, held on for third, two lengths back. 

The richest participant in the race, Aunt Mel tacked on $22,500 for a career total of $257,845 for owner Mary Jane Anderson of Long Grove, IL.

This year the filly has eight wins, two seconds and two thirds from 18 starts and surpassed $110,000 in earnings.

--Submitted by Carol Hodes for SBOANJ