Dead Heat in the Open Pace

June 14, 2023

This week Open Pace saw the Merton Brothers cross the wire at the same time, Mighty Santana N (Aldrich Jr.) left strongly from the post position 7 to get the early lead with He’s Special tucked in behind him, followed by Rolling with Sam (G. Merton). The First quarter was 27.2, they then paced a 29 second quarter getting them to the half in 56.2. As they passed the 5/8 pole, Rolling With Sam was the first to make a move as they rolled down the backside with Mighty Santana N still showing the way, hitting the next panel in 1:24.1. In the middle of the last turn the tiring Mighty Santana N was collared by Rolling With Sam who went past him.  Midway down the lane the ground saving He’s Special mounted his charge to catch Rolling With Sam as they both hit the wire at the same time in 1:53.1. He’s Special paid $3.20 and Rolling With Sam returned $2.10.

Also on the card where 2 splits of the EWEY Amateur Series, the first event went to Big Money Mike for driver Robert Ciavardini in 1:58.1 – $10.40, the winner is trained by Mcgwire Sowers. The other event saw Joe Lee wire the field in 1:56.2 -$4.50 with Beebeetee for trainer Dan Gill.

Midway through the year, the battle for leading driver changes every day between Jim Taggart Jr. and Michael Merton. At the moment only 3 wins separate the pair.  Jim Taggart on top of the leader board with 102 wins and Merton has 99.  In third place, Greg Merton has a comfortable lead of 20 wins over the fourth ranked driver Brandon Parker who as 68 trips to the winners circle. Former multiple dash winner Bruce Aldrich Jr. rounds out the top 5 with 62 winners.

In another close contest on the training side of the ledger Mcgwire Sowers is the leader with 35 wins over Laura Aldrich with 34, Gary Messenger is third with 35, Zeke Parker has 28 & Shane Taggart Jr. has 27.