by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — He began the 2014 season at Monticello Raceway competing in $4,000 claiming trots and yesterday Rose Run Nash extended his lead in races won over all for trotters in North America when the 5-year-old altered son of Trainforthefuture notched his 19th seasonal victory.

Geri Schwarz photo

Rose Run Nash scored his 19th win this year on Wednesday at Monticello Raceway.

Once again trainer Danny Gill handed the lines to Jimmy Marohn, Jr. and the diminutive reinsmen responded with yet another victory, this time in 1:57.1 winning for the fifth time against $15,000 claimers and in the process equaling his lifetime best which was established earlier this year on September 4.

“We were in a bit tough but we beat some nice trotters today and now we have a five-win lead,” Danny Gill exclaimed, meaning that Rose Run Nash has five more seasonal wins than runners-up, Too Salty and Brother Gus.

Sent off at odds of 5-1 from post four Marohn wasted no time in sending Rose Run Nash to the front and they gained command on the first turn and led the seven-horse field by the quarter in :28.2. From there, Marohn kept the pedal to the metal and the veteran trotter made every pole a winning one to score a three length triumph over I’m Fabulous, a Gary Messenger pupil who was the betting favorite in the race.

“He was super good today, ”Marohn said after the victory. “He had been running out in his last few starts but recently Danny had the veterinarian work on him and today he was as straight as an arrow. He’s a tough guy who gives his all every time.”

Although the Ohio-bred gelding took his lifetime record this year he was victorious in 1:59.3 as a 2-year-old and every year since Rose Run Nash has won in 1:59.2 or better.

To go along with his 19 wins this season Rose Run Nash also has seven seconds and two thirds in 34 starts and his seasonal bankroll in just short of $50,000.

He’s a nervous horse but he loves to race and he loves to win,” Gill added. “You can see his head going from side to side like a pendulum when he’s trotting and when he gets near the finish you can almost see him straining while giving all he’s got.”

Owned by Gill’s main patron, Ed Hall, Rose Run Nash paid $12.00 for win.