The ten-year-old classmaster Meladys Monet raised his career bankroll to $1,419,728 when he proved most photogenic in a four-way picture to take the $21,500 handicap trot feature Sunday, March 24 at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono in 1:53.
Assigned the outside in a field of six, the victorious Revenue S gelding spotted fourth for driver Andrew McCarthy as Chestnut Schofield left no doubt as to his intentions, opening a four-length lead by a :26.3 quarter and keeping that margin at the :55.1 half.
Meladys Monet started uncovered early in the backstretch and steadily gained, as did pocket-sitter Two Am to the 1:23.2 third quarter. Dog Gone Lucky joined the top trio and swung wide in the stretch while Two Am went to the passing lane.
All four horses gave their all to the line, with Two Am getting a brief advantage in deep stretch, but Meladys Monet showed his fortitude by thrusting his nose ahead on the money over his innermost foe. Chestnut Scofield held extremely gamely after the wild pace and was only a head off the win at the wire, while Dog Gone Lucky’s backers cashed no show tickets even though he was beaten only a neck.
Meladys Monet won for the 55th time in his career in his journey to Pocono. Owned by Melady Enterprises LLC, the spry oldster is trained by a man who has had an association with horses who show grittiness and longevity – Herman Heitmann, the first trainer of Foiled Again.
Pocono next goes to post on Tuesday, March 26 at 4 p.m. The following week will mark the beginning of the regular four-card-a-week schedule at the mountain oval, with Saturday and Sunday racing starting at 7 p.m., while Monday and Tuesday action starts at 4 p.m.
(PHHA)