HARRINGTON, Del. – Jo Ann Looney-King's Little Ben ($46.20) 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 harness racing 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.
Mike Cole and Tony Morgan each had driving doubles.
Matthew Sparacino