On Tuesday, February 24, five-year-old American Ideal gelding Story Book extended his winning streak to nine with a one-length victory in 1:58.4.
Sent off as the post-time choice, Story Book left hard from the rail and took the lead in the first turn. Astor (driven by Jason Ryan) gained the lead at the quarter pole in :29 and continued to show the way past the half in :58:2.
At the three-quarters pole, BB Smash (Michael Simons) started his move on the outside. He made a bold, three-wide move at the top of the lane and still had the lead at the top of the stretch.
Although, when the passing lane opened up, driver Larry Stalbaum tipped the Kimberly Asher-trained Story Book to the inside and the bay easily withstood the challenge of Astor to prevail by a length in 1:58:4.
(With files from Monticello Raceway)