Monticello, NY — KJ Leo benefited from a pocket trip to overcome Camwood in the $7,700 Open Pace at Monticello Raceway on Tuesday (Oct. 5).

KJ Leo parlayed a pocket trip to victory over the game Camwood in Tuesday’s Open Pace at Monticello Raceway. Geri Schwarz photo.

The seven-horse field had two lead changes in the first quarter mile, and another one just after that. Camwood, driven by Mike Merton, finally cleared to control the pace past the :27.3 and continued to set the pace through middle fractions of :56.3 and 1:26.1. Jim Taggart Jr. and KJ Leo were in perfect position behind Camwood at the head of the stretch, and Taggart chose to go to the outside rather than using the passing lane to collar a gritty Camwood in 1:54.3. Barnabas (Brandon Parker) finished third.

It was the sixth win of the year for KJ Leo, a 5-year-old son of Art Major whom trainer Gary Messenger owns in partnership with PW Shapiro and longtime stable patron Scott Woogen. He paid $12.80 to win.

Cory Stratton drove two winners on the card.

Messenger, with 69 training wins at the current Monticello meet, is second behind leader Bo Sowers, whose 82 winners this season top the leaderboard.