Merton takes two at Monticello

Monticello, NY— Harness racing driver Gregory Merton got a driving double at Monticello Raceway on Wednesday afternoon (Dec. 20). He won the first race with Jesmach Onyx (Dover Dan) and his second victory occurred in the last race of the day, the $6,500 Open trot, with Cinnamon Stick (Jailhouse Jesse).

Hot Summer Knight (Jim Devaux) took the early lead in the seventh race, followed by Consus Victory (Kyle Dibenedetto) in second and Nancy Bar (Michael Merton) in third. From the outside, Doo Wop Kid (Mcgwire Sowers) rushed to the front to challenge Hot Summer Knight for the lead as they approached the opening quarter mile in :28.3.

Doo Wop Kid stole the lead, leaving Hot Summer Knight in second and Consus Victory in third. From the outside, Nancy Bar moved to challenge Consus Victory for third as they passed the half mile in :59.

Making their way down the backstretch, Doo Wop Kid had the lead. Nancy Bar was first-over, battling Hot Summer Knight for second. Cinnamon Stick was second-over, looking to take on Consus Victory for fourth.

As they reached the three-quarter mile in 1:29, Nancy Bar had taken the lead, with Doo Wop Kid following in second. Cinnamon Stick followed closely in third.

From the far outside, Cinnamon Stick rushed to the front to steal the lead and cross the wire first in 1:59.2. E R Shane (Bruce Aldrich Jr) was a quarter length behind in second and Nancy Bar finished in third.

CINNAMON STICK REPLAY

Cinnamon Stick is an 8-year-old gelding owned by Michael Mulligan and trained by Gregory Decker. He paid $15.40 to win.

Racing at Monticello Raceway resumes tomorrow, Thursday, December 21. Post time is 12:10 p.m.

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

by Nicolle Kain, for Harnesslink