Newcomer wires field in Open Pace

Monticello, N.Y. – With some of the tracks in the Northeast closing for the season, this week’s Open Pace at Monticello Raceway had an influx of new blood as the three top 3 finishers made their first start in the $7,700 Open Pace on Tuesday, November 9.

The seven-horse field saw Motive Hanover, one of the newcomers, roar away from the gate first to quickly grab the lead, ticking off fractions of :29 and 58:4 to the half mile marker.

Approaching the half, Cory Stratton pulled the favorite, Nui Ba Den N, to begin his chase. Greg Merton, aboard Motive Hanover, tapped the gas pedal to have a two-lengths advantage, passing the ¾ marker in 1:27.3. He kept the margin of two-lengths at the wire in 1:55.3.

The well-traveled stout son of Well Said is trained by Mark Ford and is owned by George and Rose Bonomo of Naperville, Ill., his long-time stable patron. Motive Hanover notched his seventh win of the season and pushed his seasonal earnings to just shy of $50,000.

Finishing second was Niall Hanover (Bruce Aldrich Jr.), followed by Little Ben (Brandon Parker).

MOTIVE HANOVER REPLAY

Brandon Parker had a driving triple, and the red-hot Cory Stratton had a driving double, following his triple from the previous day.

For full race results, click here.

by Kimberly Winston, for Monticello Raceway