Jim Taggart Jr. – Gary Messenger and Scott Woogen had the hot hand this afternoon

February 16, 2026

Jim Taggart Jr. – Gary Messenger and Scott Woogen had the hot hand this afternoon, the trio won 4 races on the 8 race card. Jim Taggart Jr. won the first 3 races in straight order with the 12-1 Tipperay Hill in 1:58.2 – $ 26.62, Just The Facts in 2:04 – $25.80, In the third race is was Rockadella in 2:01.1 – $5.25. In Race 7 is was Just A Passenger in 2:02.2 – $7.76. Gary Messenger trained all of them and they were all owned by Scot Woogen of North Chesterfield, VA

While Taggart ruled the first part of the card, Mike Merton filled in the rest by getting a driving triple with Brownie Points 2:03 – $18.28, Abuelita Hanover in 1:58 – $ 5.10 and then the finale aboard Jillian Jiggs Jiggs – $ 5.34. Rosey Time scored in 2:02.1 – $5.22 for Owner – Trainer & Driver Thomas Merton

Greg Merton is 2 races away from #6,000, On tap for tomorrow is a $2,420.61 Pick 5 carry over.