Rosy afternoon for Moonlightandroses

Moonlightandroses had to take the lead twice in the Monticello Raceway harness racing feature pace on Monday, but the mare was well in control as she paced to the finish line to win the race in a career-best time.

She accelerated to the front from post five going into the first turn, but Too Much Sun (Michael Merton) marched along the outside and assumed command as they entered the backstretch. Cory Stratton immediately moved Moonlightandroses back off the pylons and sent her to the top once again.

Moonlightandroses made front prior to the quarter mile in :29.1 and kept her six foes behind through the half in :58.3 and three-quarters in 1:27.3. Too Much Sun remained in striking distance turning for home, but Moonlightandroses prevented her rivals from making any gains in the stretch as she paced home to win by two and a quarter lengths in a lifetime-best 1:55.3.

Too Much Sun was a clear second-best. She’s A Billionair (John De Simone Jr.) was third throughout. The winner paid $3.90.

MOONLIGHTANDROSES REPLAY

The win was Moonlightandroses’ second of the season in 20 starts and her 17th lifetime victory from 50. She’s now made $127,935 lifetime. Bo Sowers trains the five-year-old by Deuce Seelster for Mo Coo Inc. of Merrick and Jonathan Klee Racing of Mineola.

Stratton also won with Alexa Blue Chip (2:00.4) and Miss Waterbuffalo (1:56.2).

Also on the card, Savoir Faire visited the winner’s circle for the first time this year after nine attempts with zero top-three finishes. The 10-year-old Sand Vic gelding drafted on leader’s helmet through the first four turns and pulled past in the stretch for driver Chris Doherty. The bettors did not expect Savoir Faire to get off the schneid on Monday as the gelding went off at 50-1 and paid $107.50 to win. Overall, the horse is 14-for-89 lifetime with $76,685 in earnings. James Doherty, a Monticello local, trains and co-owns with John Sartori of Blairstown.

Monticello Raceway will be back on Tuesday, Jun. 15 with eight dashes starting at 12:10 p.m. EDT.

For full race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink