Kj Chico pops in Monticello return

Kj Chico won his first start back at Monticello Raceway on Thursday in the card’s harness racing feature after four straight losses elsewhere.

Jim Taggart Jr., saddled with post seven, cut Kj Chico into sixth behind the leaving pack heading for the first turn and stayed in line throughout the :28.2 first quarter mile. They followed Rhodatoldme (Braxten Boyd) off the inside approaching the half in :58.4 and out-kicked that cover and the leader three-wide before the third quarter was completed in 1:28.

Kj Chico created two-length cushion, but Rhodatoldme refused to be left behind and closed in throughout the final turn. Kj Chico’s lead shortened throughout the stretch drive, but he found the finish line with a neck to spare in a lifetime-best 1:56.3 victory. Rhodatoldme was tenacious in second, and Hot Rod Joey Bird (McGwire Sowers) finished third. The winner paid $18.

KJ CHICO REPLAY

Kj Chico, a three-year-old So Surreal gelding, is now a seven-time winner in his 16-start career to date. He’s earned $16,675 for owners and breeders Brenda Messenger of Monticello, Scott Woogen of North Chesterfield, and Philip Shapiro of Haworth. Gary Messenger trains.

The horse began his career on the New York fair circuit and made his first pari-mutuel appearance at Monticello, which he won in 1:59.1. He made two more starts at the track, then made three attempts at Tioga Downs and one at Buffalo Raceway. The Thursday win was Monticello return.

McGwire Sowers stole the show with four driving wins on the day. He opened the day’s account with a win on Donau (1:55.3) in the first, then scored with Beach Blast (1:57.2) in the fourth, My Last Chance (1:56.2) in the seventh, and Midnight Shark (1:57) in the eighth. Donau, My Last Chance, and Midnight Shark are all trained by McGwire’s father, Bo.

My Last Chance has changed hands several times, but the 11-year-old Nobleland Sam gelding has been been trained by either Bo or McGwire Sowers for most of the horse’s 283 career starts. My Last Chance now has 48 lifetime wins and more than $225,000 in earnings. Ledgehill Farm Ltd. of Arnprior currently owns the gelding. The horse has collected 21 of his wins while in the Sowers barn.

Monticello Raceway will return on Monday, Jun. 21 at 12:10 p.m. EDT.

For full race results click here.

By Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink