K J Michael takes Monticello Open pace

Monticello, NY— Through a flurry of snowflakes, K J Michael (Rusty’s All In, Jim Taggart Jr) won the $6,500 harness racing Open pace at Monticello Raceway on Tuesday afternoon (Nov. 21).

Timing the gate perfectly, the favorite Daamericansky (Gregory Merton) took the early lead. Memphistennessee N (Joseph Chindano Jr) was sitting in the pocket spot in second and Trevor One (Thomas Merton) was racing in third as they passed the first quarter mile in :27.4. Daamericansky had the lead by an open length as they passed the half mile in :57.3.

From the outside, Kilowatt Kid N (Michael Merton) moved to the front to challenge the leader. At the three-quarter mile in 1:27.1, Kilowatt Kid N had the lead, followed by Daamericansky. Memphistennessee N was racing in third.

Moving around the final turn, K J Michael started to move to the front from in between horses. K J Michael stole the lead to cross the wire first in 1:56.2. Some Deal Hanover (Bruce Aldrich Jr) finished a head behind in second and Kilowatt Kid N came in third.

K J MICHAEL REPLAY

K J Michael is a 6-year-old gelding trained by Gary Messenger and owned by Scott Woogen. He paid $13.80 to win.

Racing at Monticello Raceway resumes tomorrow, Wednesday, November 22. Post time is 12:10 p.m.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Nicolle Kain, for Harnesslink