Monticello: Million-dollar day at Monti

When live racing was cancelled on Monday (Jan. 29), Race Secretary Eric Warner and Monticello Harness Horsemen President Alan Schwartz worked together and carded 13 races for Thursday, Feb. 1 to help the horsemen who got shut out on Monday. The decision worked out well for both parties as the 13-race card handled $1,114,118.36, with a per-race average $85,701. It was the second-highest handle in the 66-year history of the Mighty M.

With the rare 13-race card, numerous drivers and trainers had multiple wins on the day, Jim Taggart, Jr. had a hat trick, Adam Moeykens, Bruce Aldrich Jr. and Fern Paquet Jr. each had doubles. Trainers Dan Gill and Laura Aldrich Jr. each nabbed a pair of victories..

The $6,500 Filly & Mares Open saw Perfect Queen (T. Merton) easily dispatch her contemporaries as she strolled home to a commanding two-length victory for owner/trainer Tiffany Barrett in 1:57 3/5 - the fastest mile of the day.

We The Female (A. Moeykens) regained her winning ways after her 5-race win streak was snapped last week when she drew the 8 hole. This week from the rail, she was much the best in a wire-to-wire 1:58 3/5 for trainer Raheim Strong. It was one of the aforementioned 2 wins on the day for Adam Moeykens. Getaway (J. Taggart) has now put together a 3-race win streak with a 1:57 4/5 score for owner/trainers Shane and Amy Lynn Taggart.

Monticello races every Monday through Thursday at 12:10 P.M. EST.

-edited release (Monticello Raceway)