Air Guitar rocks in Monticello Open

Monticello, NY— Air Guitar (Art Major, Cory Stratton) won the $6,500 harness racing Open pace at Monticello Raceway on Tuesday afternoon (Dec. 12).

Ready To Rumble N (Joseph Chindano Jr) took the early lead, followed by Some Deal Hanover (Bruce Aldrich Jr) in second and Beebeetee (Michael Merton) in third. As they approached the opening quarter in :27.2, Ready To Rumble N had the lead by two lengths over Some Deal Hanover.

As they came by the stands for the first time, Kj Hunter (Jim Taggart Jr) rushed from the outside to challenge Ready To Rumble N for the lead. Air Guitar was second-over in a battle with Some Deal Hanover for third. They passed the half mile in :57.4.

As they reached the three-quarter mile in 1:26.4, Kj Hunter stole the lead, leaving Some Deal Hanover and Air Guitar to fight for second. At the top of the stretch, Kj Hunter was met with Some Deal Hanover on the inside and Air Guitar on the outside. Air Guitar crossed the wire first in 1:56, a nose ahead of Some Deal Hanover. Kj Hunter finished in third.

AIR GUITAR REPLAY

Air Guitar is a 5-year-old horse owned by Robert Hirsch and trained by Mark Ford. He paid $22.00 to win.

Michael Merton and Cory Stratton had driving doubles and Mark Ford had a training double.

Racing at Monticello Raceway resumes tomorrow, Wednesday, December 13. Post time is 12:10 p.m.

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

by Nicolle Kain, for Harnesslink