The depth of talent in the Chris Petrelli barn is indeed deep. On Monday afternoon (Nov. 8), it was After The Lovin ($9) showcasing her talents from his stable as she defeated seven other foes in Monticello Raceway's Filly & Mares Open Pace, vying for a purse of $7,700.
Mike Merton and even-money favourite Sandy Win were the first to get the lead and cut fractions of :28.1 and :58.2. At the halfway mark, Cory Stratton and After The Lovin were the first to pull, followed by 40-1 American Tour N and Frank Calcagni. Past the half, the field was four in and four out. After The Lovin grinded her way to the lead at the third quarter stanza in 1:26.3 and continued to keep American Tour N at bay to win by a length in 1:56.1. Early trailer Moonlightandroses and Kyle Dibenedetto closed for third.
After The Lovin is a five-year-old mare by Carnivore and is owned by David Del Pozzo of Methuen, Massachusetts. The win was her eighth of the season from 20 starts.
Petrelli is currently in third place in the leading trainer standings with 68 wins.
Also on the card, Stratton enjoyed a driving triple and Merton had a double.
(With files from Monticello Raceway)