After live racing was cancelled on Monday, Jan. 29, racing returned to Monticello Raceway on Thursday, Feb. 1. 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 Monticello Raceway.

Several drivers took advantage of the extended card. Jim Taggart had a hat trick while 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 on the card.

In the $8,784 Filly & Mares Open, Perfect Queen (Thomas Merton) easily dispatched her contemporaries as she strolled home to a commanding two-length victory for owner and trainer Tiffany Barrett in 1:57.3, the fastest mile of the day. The victory was the first in two seasonal outings for the five-year-old daughter of American Ideal-Rocknroll Queen K who now sports a career bankroll of $98,394. She paid $5.10 to win.

We The Female (Adam Moeykens) regained her winning ways after her five-race win streak was snapped last week when she drew post eight. This week, the six-year-old daughter of Always B Miki-Sherry My Sherry utilized the rail position for a wire-to-wire victory in 1:58.3 for trainer Raheim Strong. She paid $3.40 to win.

Getaway (Jim Taggart) extended his current win streak to three with a 1:57.4 victory against $6,000 claiming company. Trained by Shane Taggart for owner Amy Taggart, the five-year-old gelded son of Revenge Shark-My Julianas Girl returned $8.50 to his backers at the betting windows.

(With files from Monticello Raceway)