Certified Ideal seizes Open crown

Certified Ideal won the Monticello Raceway Fillies and Mares Open Pace on Monday in her 10th attempt at the track’s top class.

John De Simone Jr., driving the Western Ideal mare for trainer Todd Buter, urged Certified Ideal heavily at the start to ensure she took the early lead. She set a :27 quarter mile time, a 56.2 half, and a 1:25.4 three-quarters, and De Simone asked the mare to kick away from stalking rivals as they turned for the finish.

Beauty Is Blind (Cory Stratton), still closing after a first-over slog, gained on Certified Ideal down the stretch. Don’t Chip Me (Bruce Aldrich Jr.) angled to the inside and also made headway, but Certified Ideal denied them both and crossed the finish line victorious in 1:55.1. Beauty Is Blind proved strong in finishing three quarters of a length behind taking the place spot. Don’t Chip Me was just behind in third.

CERTIFIED IDEAL REPLAY

Certified Ideal, an 11-year-old mare, is now 44-for-233 lifetime with a bankroll totaling more than $735,000. Kiefer Elite Bloodstock LLC and Jose Bisono of Campbell Hall own with Martin Michalik of Floral Park. The mare is five-for-24 this season; this was her first Open score.

Also on the card, David Yarock captured the GSY Amateur driving series race with Sammy B Happy, a seven-year-old American Ideal gelding. Yarock steered the horse to the lead, and Sammy B Happy took care of business by leading at every pole and winning in 1:57.1. Yarock owns and bred the gelding and has appointed Dawn Devaux as the trainer.

Racing returns to Monticello Raceway on Tuesday, Aug. 10 at 12:10 p.m. The card will feature seven races, including another Open Pace.

For full race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink