Stage West bests Monticello pace

Monticello, NY— Stage West (American Ideal, Bruce Aldrich Jr) won the $5,000 harness racing pace at Monticello Raceway on Thursday afternoon (Dec. 21).

Manone (Troy Rossi) went for the early lead, but was quickly passed by Somstarshinebrtr (Fern Paquet Jr) from the far outside. Can’t Sway Me (Jim Taggart Jr) followed closely in third as they passed the first quarter mile in :27.4.

Somestarshinebrtr led the way by a length, followed by Manone in second and Can’t Sway Me in third as they made their way by the stands for the first time. Can’t Sway Me popped out of the three hole to challenge the leader as they passed the half mile in :57.2.

As they made their way down the backstretch, Somestarshinebrtr led the way, with Manone in the pocket spot alongside Can’t Sway Me. They reached the three-quarter mile in 1:27.1.

At the top of the lane, Somestarshinebrtr was holding on to the lead from the inside, with Manone closing in. From the far outside, Stage West and the favorite Takemetothelmit Gb (Michael Merton) moved to cross the wire in a tight photo finish in 1:57.2. Stage West got the victory over Takemetothelmit Gb by a head. Somestarshinebrtr came in third.

STAGE WEST REPLAY

Stage West is a 4-year-old gelding owned by Gary Haas and trained by Laura Aldrich. He paid $42.80 to win.

David Wiskow had a training double. Kyle Dibenedetto and Jim Taggart Jr had driving doubles.

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

by Nicolle Kain, for Harnesslink