Monticello NY– Harness racing drivers Jim Taggart Jr. and Greg Merton both will be enjoying a festive Thanksgiving as Taggart won 4 races and Greg Merton won 3 on Wednesday November 25 at Monticello Raceway. For Taggart the last time that he recorded this feat was just a month ago on October 26.
The day started off on the right foot as Taggart won race 1 aboard Grave Dancer who scored a 3 length victory in 1:58 for trainer Dan Gill. 2 races later Taggart was back in the winner circle with the Gary Messenger trained KJ Owen who earned his 2nd win of the year after pacing the mile in 1:55.4 in a 7 length romp.
His 3rd win came virtue of a Dead Heat in race 8 with Chip Chip Conway and Hot Summer Knight (Cory Stratton) the pair trotted the mile in 1:58.4. Superiorcourt was win #4, the Rick Harp trained son of Conway Court went wire to wire from post position 7 to win in 1:59.1 to notch his 3 win of the year.
Greg Merton won with Threehundred Wirth 1:57.2 – $4.40, Rise Up Now 1:57.1 – $4.70 and Tinos Pulse 1:58.3- $16.40. Also of note on the card Cory Stratton drove 2 winners, Trainer Gay Messenger and Dan Gill each trained 2 winners on the 13 race program.
Jim Taggart Jr. trails Bruce Aldrich for leading dash winning driver at the Mighty M by 20 wins.
by Shawn Wiles, for Monticello Raceway