Tuesday, March 23 Recap

March 24, 2026

Today’s racing was an 8 race card, highlighted by the $8,200 Open Pace, Buy In was a late scratch which whittled the field to only 6 contestants, Hurrikane Jonnyboy was installed as the early favorite. The winners of last week’s Open Pace, Rusty Beach drew post 7.

Hurrikane Jonnyboy (R. Cushing) dashed away quickly from the gate to make the top, Rusty Beach from the outside rambled his way to the front, but not for long as the 1/5 favorite Hurrikane Jonnyboy retook past the first quarter in 28 and was still on the lead in 58.1. Down the backside KJ Hunter (J. Taggart Jr.) make a quick brush but going into the paddock turn the threat faded. Turning for home Rusty Beach and Tom Merton went to the outside and collared Hurrikane Jonnyboy in 1:56.4 – $10.64. It was his third win in his last 4 starts in the Open, he has earned over $25,000 thus far this season for trainer Richard Dunn.

Sunset Soph extended her win streak to 4 in a row $2.78 with Greg Merton at the helm for trainer Jenn Petrelli. We the Female (K. Dibenedetto) made it 2 in a row with a 2:00.1 – $5.06 for trainer Raheim Strong.

Greg and Mike Merton each had a pair of winning drives as did Jim Taggart Jr. who had back to back wins early on the card, Tammy Sowers and Jennifer Petrelli each had a pair of training wins.