Major Escape edged clear on the end of a front-end trip on Thursday to take the Monticello Raceway harness racing feature pace.
Driver Jim Devaux was intent on getting the lead with the gelding, and he did so by advancing on the rim from post three through the first quarter in :29. Major Escape then led to the half in :59.3 and three-quarters in 1:29.3, after which he drew the encouragement of Devaux as the field of eight inched closer.
Major Escape turned for home with the lead and outpaced two challengers to score by a length and a quarter in 1:58.2. Kj Michael Gary (Jim Taggart Jr.) found a seam up the rail and took second. Pocket-sitter Uncle Qwackers (Michael Merton) finished third. The winner paid $2.80.
MAJOR ESCAPE REPLAY
Major Escape took his fourth win in his 80th lifetime appearance and increased his earnings to more than $90,000. Dawn Devaux trains the five-year-old son of Art Major for Lisa Zabielski of Ballston Spa.
Monticello will adjourn for the weekend and return on Monday, May 10 with eight dashes starting at 12:10 p.m. EDT.
For full race results, click here.
by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink