Reigning Deo Much The Best

January 31, 2024

After just being nipped at the wire last week, Reigning Deo made amends and powered his way to the win this week

The race unfolded as Trevor’s Ace (Paquet Jr.) left strongly from the rail and protected his position, forcing Some Deal Hanover (Aldrich) to drop in the 2 hole as the pair took the field to the opening panel of 28. Smart Talker (G. Merton) was on the muscle today as Merton pulled him in the paddock turn, he caught live cover behind Dirt On My Boots (Dibenedetto) approaching the half in 58.3 with Trevor’s Ace still showing the way. At the 5/8 pole Dirt On My Boots made a nasty break and pulled to the outside, he was followed by the 7/5 favorite Reigning Deo who then hit the gas pedal as they passed the next station in 1:27.2. Down the stretch the pace setter Trevor’s Ace hit a wall, Reigning Deo was in full gear and uncorked a final stanza of 28.4 to score well in hand in 1:56.2 – $4.90, Some Deal Hanover held on for second with KJ Unreal (Taggart Jr.) finishing third.  Mike Merton would also score with Lady Warrior 1:59.2 – $ in the finale for trainer Monica Ericksen $11.20

Debt Motivated (T. Merton) rocked the tote board, the 48-1 Shane Taggart trainee scored in 2:00.1 and paid $98.00 to win.  John Spartan broke his maiden for trainer Jody Dunning with an open length win in 2:00, the 4YO son of Nob Hill is owned by Bryson Dunning, he was driven by Adam Moeykens, it was one of 2 winners on the day for Adam with the other winner being Highborn in 1:56.4 – $6.60.