Harness racing is a bit like professional football whereas inclement weather doesn’t (doesn't always) stop the action. Case in point, Monticello Raceway on a wet and gloomy Tuesday afternoon (January 29).
Despite the track having to be initially cleared of snow and mud --- and then cleared again to keep the piled snow and its melting waters from running out on various parts of the racing surface --- the show, although interrupted, still went on.
After sub-zero temperatures were in full effect just a few days prior, the dedicated efforts to keep the show rolling paid off as all 13 scheduled races were contested, although the racing program ran about 30 minutes longer than usual.
On the card was the final of the Carlspur Series for horses and geldings. The dash saw Jimmy Devaux , with 12-1 shot General Maximus N, sit the pocket and then zoom to the front and cruise home an easy 2:00.1 victory over the even-money favourite, Joshuas Jet (driven by Mike Forte). Armbro Chivalry was third for driver Bruce Aldrich, Jr.
The winner, owned by Jerold Blackman and Bill Kapinos and trained by Kapinos returned $24.60 on a successful $2 Win wager.
Other notes of interest on that program were the continuing win streaks of both Joe De Fino (the horse) and Scottie C.
Joe De Fino ran his win-skein to four in a row after owner/trainer/driver Mike Simons engineered a three-length victory in 2:00.2.
Scottie C, who hails from the powerful barn of trainer Pete Pellegrino barn, recorded a wire-to-wire win in 1:56.3 for driver Greg Merton.
(With files from Monticello)