Monticello, NY— Driver-trainer-owner Greg Merton led Jm`s Delight (Bettor’s Delight) first-over from the start in the $7,200 Open harness racing pace at Monticello Raceway on Tuesday (Sept. 5) and despite never clearing to the lead they came on in the stretch to win it all.
Hestons Lucky Chip (Bruce Aldrich Jr) went for the early lead out of the gate, Chantepleure followed in second, and Trevor`s Ace was in third. On the far outside, Jm’s Delight was hustling in fourth. As they passed by the quarter mile in :27.3, Jim Devaux had Chantepleure leading the way by a length over Hestons Lucky Chip. Jm’s Delight followed in third, still parked out first-over.
At the half mile in :57.3, Chantepleure was still in front, with Jm’s Delight making his way into second from the outside.
Chantepleure was still the leader, with pocket trip Hestons Lucky Chip battling Jm’s Delight for second as they passed the three-quarter mile mark in 1:26.
Moving around the final turn, Michael Merton made his move with Pedro Hanover from the far outside. At the top of the stretch, they were stacked across the racetrack. Merton and Jm’s Delight left the group to cross the wire first in 1:54.4 by one length. Pedro Hanover followed in second and Beebeetee (Brandon Parker) finishing in third.
JM’S DELIGHT REPLAY
Jm`s Delight, a 7-year-old gelding, is owned, trained, and driven by Greg Merton of Monticello, New York and paid $7.00 to win.
Racing at Monticello Raceway resumes tomorrow, Wednesday, September 6. Post time is 12:10 p.m. ET.
For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.
by Nicolle Kain, for Harnesslink