Special Graduate the Head of The Class
July 12, 2023
A full field of 8 were behind the gate for this afternoons Open Pace, going into the first turn there was a bit of confusion as Iammrbrightside N (Stratton) was squeezed going into the first forcing Art Scene (Rice) to go off stride. Special Graduate and Adam Moeykens were able to make the front end and take them to the opening panel of 28.1. Approaching the half the 3/5 favorite Smart Talker (G. Merton) was the first to pull off the wood as they hit the next panel in 58.1. Special Graduate was still in command at the next stanza in 1:27.1., coming off the paddock turn Special Graduate was in cruise control, but in late stretch Smart Talker was flying down the lane but it was a little late as Special Graduate held on for the win in 1:55. $10.20, Smart Talker was second followed by Mister Hat (M. Merton).
David Dziengiel trains Special Graduate; it was his fifth win on the year for the Art Major mare. The win for 20-year-old Adam Moeykens puts him in 12th position for leading dash winning drivers.
Dragon Hunter was impressive 2-length victor in 1:58 – $7.30, for the 2-year-old Huntsville colt is trained by Gary Messenger and was driven by Jim Taggart Jr.
Also on the card, Michael Merton enjoyed a driving triple, the triple now give Merton 111 wins on the year. Trailing the leader Jim Taggart Jr. who has 117 trips to the winners circle this season.
