Tuesday, June 30 Recap
June 30, 2026
The hot afternoon’s card was a 9 race affair with the $9,000 Open Pace as the featured race of the day. The Open attracted a full field of 8 going to post, the out of town invader Invictus (PP6) came with strong credentials. Tahuya Handsome from the rail was the first to the top, briefly before Lupa (G. Merton) retook the lead briefly before Tahuya Handsome retook the lead at the first quarter in 27.3 and was on top at the half in 56.4. Vel Trust In Time was first over at the half. Going down the backside Tahuya Handsome was still showing the way, hitting the next station in 1:25.2. From the back of the pack Invictus mounted a strong 3 deep move in the paddock turn and began to draw off from the pack, winning handily in 1:54.1 with Mike Merton in the bike for trainer Rob Harmon. Rusty Beach (T. Merton) got up for second followed by KJ Hunter (J. Taggart Jr.)
Great Bet (G. Merton) picked up his ninth win on the year, it was his 5th win in 6 starts, 2 in a row for trainer Jennifer Petrelli. The 1/9 Australian import Checknoutthetalnt A (M. Merton) was impressive in his second start in the States, after his open length 1:53.4 score for trainer Rob Harmon, he is now 2 for 2.
Mike Merton led all drivers with a triple on the muggy afternoon, Mike Merton and Jim Taggart jr had a double, trainer Jennifer Petrelli also notched a triple, Ron Harmon had 2 wins
A decision will be made tomorrow morning about the status of Thursday racing due to the excessive heat
