Kj Erich circles open foes

Dropping back to last was no problem for Kj Erich in the Monticello Raceway Open on Wednesday as the eight-year-old went around every harness racing rival for the win.

Michael Merton, driving the horse for the first time, placed the Gary Messenger trainee behind all six of his foes early. Kj Erich bided his time through a :26.4 first quarter mile and a :56.3 half before beginning his rally third-over.

Merton swung Kj Erich three-wide at three-quarters in 1:25.3 and wore down the leaders in the final panel to win by a length and three quarters in 1:55.1. Camwood (Bruce Aldrich Jr.) snuck up the inside for place. Venier Hanover (Rock Vinci) finished third after briefly striking the front.

KJ ERICH REPLAY

The win price was $19.80.

Kj Erich, a gelded son of Roll With Joe, has now won 35 times and has earned $218,629 in 180 starts. Scott Woogen of North Chesterfield, Monticello local Brenda Messenger, and Philip Shapiro of Haworth bred and own the horse.

Merton made the most trips to the winner’s circle in the day’s nine races, winning four of them.

Monticello Raceway’s next card is set for Wednesday, Jul. 21. An Open Pace features on that seven-race program that will begin at 12:10 p.m. EDT.

For full race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink