Reigning Deo takes Monticello Open pace

Monticello, NY— Reigning Deo (Rock N Roll Heaven, Michael Merton) won the $6,500 harness racing Open pace at Monticello Raceway on Tuesday afternoon (Jan. 30).

Trevor’s Ace (Fern Paquet Jr) took the early lead from the middle of the track, followed by Some Deal Hanover (Bruce Aldrich Jr) in second. Dirt On My Boots (Kyle Dibenedetto) was racing in third as they came to the first quarter mile in :28.

Trevor’s Ace led the way by a length and a quarter over pocket trip Some Deal Hanover. Dirt On My Boots switched to the outside third and rushed to challenge Trevor’s Ace for the lead as they passed the half mile in :58.3.

Making their way down the backstretch, Trevor’s Ace was clinging to the lead, with Dirt On My Boots not far behind in the outside in second. Some Deal Hanover was racing in third, with Reigning Deo second-over on the outside in fourth. Dirt On My Boots went off stride before they reached the three-quarter mile in 1:27.2.

Moving around the final turn, Reigning Deo rushed to steal the lead from Trevor’s Ace from the outside. He kept the lead and crossed the wire in 1:56.2. Some Deal Hanover came in second and Kj Unreal (Jim Taggart Jr) finished in third.

REIGNING DEO REPLAY

Reigning Deo is an 8-year-old gelding trained by Travis Alexander for owners Alexander Racing Stable LLC, Brian Gordon, and Stephen Gordon. He paid $4.90 to win.

Michael Merton and Adam Moeykens got driving doubles.

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

by Nicolle Kain, for Harnesslink