by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — To say that Haroun Hanover has been hot this season would be a gross understatement. The Monticello-based pacer not only ran his string of consecutive victories to six when he won the first race in a swift 1:54 on Tuesday (July 9), but that triumph was the 18th of the season for the altered son of Bettor’s Delight.

“He’s had 27 starts and he just keeps getting better,” said the horse’s trainer, Danny Gill, who leads all other conditioners here with 109 winners.

Geri Schwarz photo

Haroun Hanover scored for the 18th time in 2013 on Tuesday.

Although the extremely hot and humid weather has been responsible for all horses to produce faster winning times, Haroun Hanover’s 1:54 victory was his seasonal best.

Once again driver Jimmy Marohn, Jr. sent the head-strong pacer to the lead from the five hole and they were well in command as they passed the first stanza in :27.4. A half in :56.4 and a three-quarter clocking of 1:25.2 kept any challengers from getting near the pacer.

Still two lengths ahead of his competition as the field headed for home, the margin was shortened to 1-1/4 lengths at the wire. Second place went to Blade Seelster, whom Cory Stratton had in the two hole the entire mile, and Hedges Lane finished third for Bruce Aldrich, Jr.

“When we got him in our barn last fall I thought we could improve on the way he had been racing, but I never thought he’d be as good as he is, and has been,” Gill said of Haroun Hanover, who had but two wins in 30 starts last season, although the pacer owned a lifetime mark of 1:51 taken at Harrah’s Chester during the 2011 season.

Owned by Ed and James Hall, Haroun Hanover paid $3.10 for win.

Haroun Hanover has been known for his penchant of not stopping after the race is completed and Gill was asked if Marohn was able to pull up the pacer after the race this time.

“No, he had to go around (the track) two more times and the (starting) gate was needed to stop him and get him back to the paddock,” he said sheepishly.

Haroun Hanover’s victory was one of three for the Gill-Marohn, Jr. connection that afternoon. They also scored with Tom Riddle ($5.10) in 1:55.4 and Lockettejasper ($7.50) in a 1:56.4 clocking. Those pacers are also owned by the Hall brothers.