Merton triples at Monticello

Monticello, NY— Michael Merton drove three winners on the Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 7) card at Monticello Raceway, including the $6,500 harness racing Open trot with Patrick Hanover (Father Patrick).

Patrick Hanover took the early lead in the feature race, followed by Raceace (Alan Schwartz) and Cyclone Maximus (Gregory Merton). They passed the opening quarter in :28.3 with Patrick Hanover still on top. As they came to the half mile in :59, Raceace moved to challenge the leader from the outside, but Patrick Hanover would not be bested. He was in front by a length as they passed the three-quarter mile mark in 1:28.4. Chip Chip Conway (Jim Taggart Jr) moved into second and Cyclone Maximus was racing in third. Patrick Hanover crossed the wire in 1:59, two lengths ahead of Cyclone Maximus. Chip Chip Conway followed in third.

PATRICK HANOVER REPLAY

Patrick Hanover is a 5-year-old gelding owned by William Damberg and trained by Robert Lounsbury. He paid $8.70 to win.

Merton also visited the winners circle with Nox Vegas Bluechip (Art Major) in the fourth race and Hot Summer Knight (Justice Hall) in the seventh race.

Racing at Monticello Raceway resumes tomorrow, Thursday, February 8. Post time is 12:10 p.m.

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

by Nicolle Kain, for Harnesslink