Kj Hunter steals Monticello Open pace

Monticello, NY— The 6-5 favorite Kj Hunter (Huntsville, Jim Taggart Jr) won the $6,500 harness racing Open pace at Monticello Raceway on Tuesday afternoon (Nov. 28).

Daamericansky (Gregory Merton) went for the early lead, followed by Kj Hunter. Trevor’s Ace (Adam Moeykens) was racing on the inside in third as they reached the first quarter mile in :28.4.

As they came by the stands for the first time, Daamericansky was holding onto the lead. From the outside, Smart Talker (Mcgwire Sowers) moved to the front to take second. They passed the half mile in :58.4.

Moving around the clubhouse turn, Daamericansky led the way, with Kj Hunter back in second and Smart Talker parked on the outside in third. From the outside, Buchannon Hanover (Joseph Chindano Jr) moved to take third. They passed the three-quarter mile in 1:28.

At the top of the stretch, Kj Hunter came to challenge Daamericansky for the lead. Kj Hunter stole the victory in 1:57.2, a head in front of Daamericansky. Buchannon Hanover finished in third.

KJ HUNTER REPLAY

Kj Hunter is a 4-year-old gelding trained by Gary Messenger for owners Scott Woogen and Brenda Messenger. He paid $4.40 to win.

Kyle Dibenedetto, Joseph Chindano Jr, and Jim Taggart Jr had driving doubles and Gary Messenger had a training double.

Racing at Monticello Raceway resumes tomorrow, Wednesday, November 29. Post time is 12:10 p.m.

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

by Nicolle Kain, for Harnesslink