Crazycat claws Open foes

Crazycat took down seasoned Monticello Raceway Open Trot contenders in her second attempt of the year in the Wednesday renewal of the track’s top harness racing class.

Driver Brandon Parker pulled the Crazed gelding behind his fast-starting foes and occupied fifth position from post five. After a hectic :29.1 opening quarter mile that included three lead changes, Chip Chip Conway (Jim Taggart Jr.), a five-time Open winner in 2021, headed the field past the grandstand. Crazycat started his first-up journey as the field of six – not including early breaker Superiorcourt (Cory Stratton) – approached the half in :59.

Cinnamon Stick, with four Open scores to his name in 2021, followed Crazycat to the outside. Crazycat pushed away from her and into the lead as the group headed to three-quarters in 1:28.1. Chip Chip Conway fought back at the pylons, and Pocono shipper Mighty Surf (Mike Simons) swung around the two for a three-across stretch duel.

Chip Chip Conway regained the lead as they entered the stretch, but Crazycat finished what he started and passed that rival for the second time to take the victory in 1:57.1. Mighty Surf was flat after a pocket trip but took second. Chip Chip Conway was relegated to third.

CRAZYCAT REPLAY

Jose Godinez trains and owns Crazycat, a $6.90 winner, via his Godinez Racing Stable LLC of Bullville. The victory was the gelding’s second in 20 tries this year and his 33rd from 157 overall. He has now earned more than $335,000 lifetime.

Cory Stratton led the driver colony with three wins.

Monticello Raceway will conclude its week of action on Thursday, Aug. 5 with a nine-race program starting at 12:10 p.m. EDT.

For full race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink