Jo Ann Looney-King's Little Ben was a 22-to-1 winner in the $17,500 Open Pace Monday at Harrington Raceway in 1:53.1 and was one of three winners for driver Victor Kirby.
Soto, who had won two straight, began his pursuit of a third straight triumph by hustling out of post position eight and assuming command in an opening quarter mile in 26.4 seconds. Options Are a Dream moved quickly and took the lead from Soto before he marched to the half-mile in 55.2 seconds and three-quarters in 1:24.1 as Star Messenger mounted a first-over attack while Soto began to fade.
Options Are A Dream maintained the lead in the stretch before a fierce late rally by Little Ben nailed him at the wire. Star Messenger was third. It was the fourth win of the season for the Jim King, Jr. trainee, who is closing in on $400,000 lifetime.
Little Ben paid $46.20 to win.
Mike Cole and Tony Morgan each had driving doubles.
(Harrington Raceway)