Eataams Trauma shocks in U.S. debut

Eataams Trauma, a familiar face on the Ontario B-track harness racing circuit, lowered her career mark and won her first United States start at 31-1 on Thursday at Monticello Raceway.

New trainer and driver Justin Huckabone pushed the Mach Three mare for early speed from post seven. She took the lead after slogging two-wide through the first turn, but 1/5 favourite Chip For Real (Jim Devaux) circled her from second and regained the top spot as they hit the quarter mile marker in :28.2.

Eataams Trauma sat the pocket through :57.4 and 1:27.2 middle fractions and slid out on the final turn to track down the leader. Chip For Real surrendered quickly, and Eataams Trauma out-finished the closing App Hanover (Kyle DiBenedetto) for a career-best 1:57.1 score.

App Hanover finished second. Chip For Real faded to third. The winner surprised Monticello bettors, paying $64 to win.

EATAAMS TRAUMA REPLAY

Eataams Trauma made all previous 126 career starts at Ontario B ovals, winning 14 times and earning $71,559. Owners Matthew Dugan of Lebanon (NH) and Micheala Hemmes of Saylorsburg acquired the six-year-old mare on Aug. 12. The Thursday win was her first of the season in 14 tries.

Monticello Raceway will go dark for the weekend and return to action on Monday, Aug. 30 at 12:10 p.m. EDT.

For full race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink