Perfect Queen rules Monticello Open pace

Monticello, NY— Perfect Queen (American Ideal, Thomas Merton) won the $6,500 Open Fillies and Mares harness racing pace at Monticello Raceway on Monday afternoon (Mar. 4).

Infinity Seelster (Kyle Dibenedetto) left the gate first, but was quickly overcome by Special Graduate (Adam Moeykens). From the outside, Perfect Queen rushed to take command before they reached the first quarter mile in :29.

As they came by the stands for the first time, Perfect Queen was on top by a length over pocket trip Special Graduate. They went by the half mile in :59. Heading to the three-quarter mile in 1:28.4, Lady Jericho (Michael Merton) was first-over and looking to take on the leader from the outside.

As they turned for home, Perfect Queen was in first, with Special Graduate on the inside in second and Lady Jericho on the outside in third. Perfect Queen crossed the wire in 1:57.2. Special Graduate got second and Lady Jericho finished third.

PERFECT QUEEN REPLAY

Perfect Queen is a 5-year-old mare owned and trained by Tiffany Barrett. She paid $5.20 to win.

Fern Paquet Jr got a driving double and Steven Ray got a training double.

Racing at Monticello Raceway resumes tomorrow, Tuesday, March 5. Post time is 12:10 p.m.

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

by Nicolle Kain, for Harnesslink