Soto repeats in Open

HARRINGTON, Del. – Soto ($9, Art Stafford Jr.) improved to 2-for-2 this year at Harrington Raceway with a 1:52.4 triumph in the $17,000 Open Pace.

Overlooked at odds of 3-to-1, Soto settled third on the rail until near the three-quarters when he challenged pacesetter Major Uptrend and eventually cleared. Soto made the lead in mid-stretch and would not relent as Major Uptrend held second and Silver Fox J was third. Trained by Eric Ell for owners Ken Wood, Bill Dittmar and Steve Iaquinta, it was the 26th career win for the son of Rock N Roll Heaven.

The sixth race was named in recognition of the James Eveland Stables, where Jim and his wife Roberta have raced a horse at Harrington Raceway for each of the last 50 years. A large gathering of friends and family were in the winner's circle for a blanket presentation.

Matthew Sparacino