Tuesday February 17 Recap

February 17, 2026

Going into today’s card there was a carryover of $2,420.61, the first race of the day saw the 41-1 Rock A Honey score in a 3 length win for Ralph Silvestri in 1:56 – $ 84.87, the winner is trained by Veronica Merton for owner Christopher Elia of Warren N.J.

The cards featured race was the $7,500 Open Pace with a field of 6 behind the gate, there was plenty of early action with Better Be Gouda & KJ Hunter taking turns on the lead. As they were fighting it out past the half, Rusty Beach started his move, down the backstretch Tom Merton had the 6 year old in high gear and was 3 deep in the paddock turn with a full head of steam. Under an animated stretch drive he got the win over KJ Hunter in the fastest mile of the day in 1:55.3 – $10.46. Rusty Beach is an 8 year old Betting Line gelding and is trained by Richard Dunn.

Life In Color took the finale after unleashing a furious stretch drive for Mike Merton and trainer Terry Finch in 1:57.4 -$5.50, Bet On Butch and Rick Harp scored a win in 2:03.3 – $ 37.66.

Mike Merton lead all drivers with a triple on the 9 race card, when drivers are on the cusp of career milestones it seems to take forever to get there, Case in point Greg Merton needs only 2 wins for his 6,000th win.