Kj Hunter takes Monticello Open pace

Monticello, NY— Kj Hunter (Huntsville) captured the harness racing victory in the $7,200 Open pace at Monticello Raceway on Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 3).

Out of the gate, Beebeetee (Brandon Parker) led from the inside. From the far outside, Machiatto A (Michael Merton) rushed past to steal the lead. As they passed the first quarter mile in :26.4, Kj Hunter (Jim Taggart Jr) passed Machiatto A from the outside to take the lead.

Kj Hunter led the way by a length over Machiatto A, who was following in second. A large gap back, Beebeetee was a distant third as they passed the half mile in :54.4.

As they passed the three-quarter mile in 1:23.1, Kj Hunter still had the lead, with Machiatto A in second. Jm’s Delight (Gregory Merton) passed Beebeetee to take third.

As they made their way around the final turn, Kj Hunter had the lead by two lengths. Jm’s Delight moved to pass Machiatto A from the outside. Kj Hunter crossed the wire in 1:52.3, a length ahead of Jm’s Delight. Machiatto A finished in third.

KJ HUNTER REPLAY

Kj Hunter, a 4-year-old gelding, is trained by Gary Messenger for owners Scott Woogen and Brenda Messenger, who are also his breeders, along with Philip Shapiro. He paid $5.20 to win.

Racing at Monticello Raceway resumes tomorrow, Wednesday, October 4. Post time is 12:10 p.m.

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

by Nicolle Kain, for Harnesslink