Monday, April 27 Recap

April 27, 2026

Greg Merton was absent from driving on this afternoons 8 race card, his brother Mike Merton benefitted from his absence with a driving Grand Slam.

The featured race was the $9,000 Open for Fillies and Mares, leaving from the rail was the 50-1 Catie Faye Hanover with Ralph Silvestri III in the bike, the heavy favorite Jillian Juggs (PP5) was seeking her fourth consecutive win with Jim Taggart Jr driving. Catie Faye Hanover parked Jillian Juggs for as far and long as he could before they both faded badly in the lane. Taking advantage of the front end action was Just Rosas Luck (M. Merton) who swept by the tired leaders to score an easy 6 length win in 1:55.3-$9.48, Wish I Had Thyme (K. Dibebedetto) was second and Don’t Chip Me (B. Aldrich Jr.) who was behind a wall of horse’s turning for home, shook loose and got up for third. It was a new season record for the winner trained by Rob Harmon.

Everybodyluvjoe, a new addition to the Alan Schwartz scored in the opener in 2:00 – $17.28, Jim Taggart Jr. had a pair of winners as did Tammy Sowers.