Mongeon Memorial Final won by 16-1 longshot

Off at 16-1 odds, Packmia (Six Pack-Ldees Mia) bided his time in the $31,400 John Mongeon Sr. Memorial Trot Final before striking the harness racing upset at the wire on Sunday (May 12) afternoon at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Second choice Queen Indeed (Billy Dobson) designated herself as the pacesetter for the mile, followed by Tacticland (Jim Devaux) and favored Pembroke Traveler (Mcgwire Sowers). Packmia (Chris Long) got away fifth off the car.

“Timmy said to be conservative with him and get a good piece. The race worked out perfectly and Packmia finished strong,” driver Chris Long said.

Glenn Schnackenberg, Cheryl Schackenberg, and Kellie Dickie co-own the sophomore gelding. Trained by Timothy Dickie, Packmia won his third race from nine lifetime starts in a career best time. He paid $33.80 to win.

By The Book (Chapter Seven-Explosive High) won the $15,000 Winners Over/Open Handicap on Sunday with Jay Randall in the bike for Scott Mongeon.

Leaving from post eight, Randall and By The Book were caught in a three-wide tussle for the lead with Snowpiercer (Brett Beckwith) and Malibu Kid (Larry Stalbaum) in the mix. After the :27.4 first quarter, By The Book settled on the lead along the pylons and never looked back.

He hit the half in :56.3 and three quarters in 1:26.1. Free Willy Hanover (Chris Long) charged down the passing lane and met the pacesetter and pocket sitting Snowpiercer in a photo finish at the wire. By The Book prevailed by a head in 1:56.3 while Free Willy Hanover finished second with Snowpiercer third.

BY THE BOOK REPLAY

Charles Harrison, Frederick Barthelmas, and Tina Murray co-own the five-year-old. By The Book won his fourth race from 11 starts this year and his 18th race from 61 career starts, banking $232,010. He paid $3.50 to win.