from Monte America
Pompano Beach, FL — Veteran open class trotter Master Pine (Master Lavec-Pine Career) with Helene Gregory won Sunday’s (Oct. 6) $16,000 Monte/RUS special over a rain-dulled Red Mile surface in 1:58.4.
The winner is trained by Julie Miller for owners Mark Moger and Albert Delia, Jr. and was bred in Ohio by Double Springs Farm.
Gregory used a backstretch brush to pass early contenders Chinese Cuisine (Revenue-Missymandarine), with Tina Duer up for owner Peninsula Farm Inc., and the Balanced Image son Harlequin, handled by Riina Rekila.
Master Pine opened a five length advantage around the final turn and maintained a steady stretch pace, closing in :30.3 for a head advantage on the line to win over fast finishing A Penny Earned (Conway Hall-Penny Dream), with Heather Reese aboard. Chinese Cuisine was third.
A Penny Earned was 17 lengths back at the half and closed impressively for co-owner/trainer George Ducharme and fellow owners Alfred Ross, Paul Fontaine and Nicola Oliva
Thanks to Red Mile management, purse sponsors and monte/RUS supporters for making this special competitive eight-horse event a successful reality.