Speedy six-year-old Artsplace gelding Cactus Creek made a laugher out of Monticello Raceway's pacing feature on Tuesday, March 31 when Jimmy Marohn, Jr. guided the former Adios Pace winner to an oh-so-easy four-length triumph in 1:55:1.
With the sun shining brightly and the race track in top form, Cactus Creek made his 'Mighty M' debut. Though the pacer was sent off at odds of over 5-1 -- fifth best in the eight-horse field -- from Post 7, Marohn gunned his charge to the front and they played 'catch me if you can.'
Nobody could.
Nobody came within two lengths of the leader throughout the mile, and at the finish line the margin of victory was widened to four lengths.
Freehold Raceway invader Jaguar Jet was the 3-2 betting favourite in the contest and rallied from fourth at the three-quarters pole to finish second for Kyle DiBenedetto. Toms Weath, with Mike Forte aboard, took home the show dough.
“He (Cactus Creek) had his 'A-game' today,” Marohn, Jr. said in the winners circle after his victory. “I was just a passenger.”
Cactus Creek, winner of over $422,000 in lifetime purses, won the Adios Pace at the Meadows in 2006 with a 1:50:2 victory.
(With files from Monticello)