On the Wednesday (Oct. 2) program at Monticello Raceway, Funny Photo won the third annual Elizabeth Miller Memorial for trotters under saddle, while Jim Taggart Jr. notched five driving wins on the eight-race betting card.
In the Miller, RCs Ready (Hilary Hartnett) and Funny Photo (Sophie Engerran) trotted in tandem — RCs Ready cutting the mile and Funny Photo parked on the outside — through early fractions of :30.2 and 1:01. RCs Ready began to tire going into the clubhouse turn the second time, but the fit Funny Photo had plenty left in reserve. Engerran kept the 10-year-old son of Classic Photo on the bit and had four lengths on the field past three-quarters in 1:34. Their lead continued to increase in the stretch as they drew clear to win by 10 lengths in 2:06.4. Railroad Lane (Cathy Gearwar) rallied in the lane to finish second, with RCs Ready third.
Funny Photo, also trained by Engerran, is owned by Enge Training Stable LLC of Stillwater, N.Y.
Elizabeth Miller was the matriarch of the Miller clan of New Berlin, N.Y., who have raced in central New York for decades. She was active for many years at the Otsego County Fair and served as secretary of the New York Sire Stakes in addition to tending the family's dairy farm and harness racing operation.
On the betting card, Taggart kicked off his five-bagger with a natural grand slam, starting in race two with Road Untraveled ($3.80, 1:57). The 49-year-old reinsman continued on to win with Natalie Hanover ($3.80, 1:59), Needles And Pins ($5.00, 1:58) and Lightupbullville ($2.80, 1:56.3) before taking the finale with Warrawee Preferred ($4.00, 1:57.3).
Taggart currently sits in second place in the Monticello driving colony with 184 wins, trailing leader Mike Merton by 19 on the season.
(with files from Monticello Raceway)