from Harness Publicists across North America

Tuesday’s (Dec. 1) edition of Racing Roundup features a results story from Monticello Raceway, Dover Downs and The Meadows.

Keystone Rideau turns back Southbound Trucker in Monticello feature

Monticello, NY — Nearly all season long Monticello Raceway’s Open Pace has been dominated by Southbound Trucker. But on Tuesday afternoon, Monticello Raceway’s Horse of the Year tasted defeat in a 1:55.3 clocking at the hands of Keystone Rideau. The Yonkers Raceway import from the powerful Mark Ford barn won one of the most exciting contests among the best class of pacers at the Mighty M.

Geri Schwarz photo

Keystone Rideau crossed the finish line in 1:55.3 in Tuesday’s Monticello feature.

Southbound Trucker, despite having to start from post position seven, was the betting favorite athough newcomer Bob’s Alibi (Zeke Parker), a 1:52.4 winner at Pocono Downs last summer, got plenty of action from a two-hole start. The eventual winner, Keystone Rideau, left from the eight hole but benefited by being able to follow Southbound Trucker’s moves.

Mike Micallef, himself a new face at Monticello Raceway this year, handled the driving chores behind Keystone Rideau and found himself taking advantage of the way that Southbound Trucker races best.

“I went to the pylons after the start and kept my eyes peeled on Southbound Trucker,” Micallef related. “When Greg (Merton) moved in the paddock turn I followed him and Southbound Trucker is a great horse to follow because he’s a grinder and we picked up horses up the backstretch and into the final turn.”

Jordan Stratton with Tricky Grin set sails for the lead as the gate folded and they cut fractions of :28.2, :58 and 1:26.4 before the big boys got close. Still on the lead as the field passed by the third stanza the company began to overtake the leader. In the final turn Southbound Trucker and Tricky Grin were heads apart with Micallef stalking with Keystone Rideau.

As the field headed for home there were five pacers across the track with each one gunning for victory. However, Southbound Trucker drew off to a short lead as the field approached the finish line but on the far outside Keystone Rideau blew by them all for a length triumph in one of the faster clockings in the Open Pace this year. Southbound Trucker finished second and Bob’s Alibi was third.

“Though it was the first time I sat behind him (Keystone Rideau) I knew we were going to win it when we rounded the final turn,” Micallef said.

It marked the fourth seasonal victory for the altered son of Western Hanover who paid $23.60 for win. He is owned by James Snyder.

— John Manzi

Keystone Sophie wins Open; Pierce wins 6

Dover, DE — Keystone Sophie held off a handful of rivals at the wire to win the $26,000 Mares Open pace on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at Dover Downs. Ron Pierce continued his multiple win nights this meet chalking up six wins.

Jon Roberts moved Kellytuck Sophie off the rail at the head of the lane and the Cam’s Magic Trick-Kellytuck Ann 7-year-old overtook the leader Apache Dame (Ross Wolfenden) to take the lead on the way to a 1:52.4 victory in the $26,000 distaff feature race. Bid Roberts trains and co-owns Kellytuck Sophie with M&W and Graham Grace stables. It was her sixth win of the year bringing her seasonal earnings to $95,270. Chloes Silver Star finished second with Ron Pierce ahead of the Eric Goodell-driven Perfect M Forever.

— Marv Bachrad

Mystery Chase snaps Doug Fame’s streak at The Meadows

Washington, PA — Mystery Chase settled in the pocket behind Dougs Fame, then blew by with a 28.1 final quarter Tuesday at The Meadows to capture the $27,500 Preferred Handicap Pace — his 11th victory this year.

Dougs Fame had won five consecutive races but was assigned post 8, assuring that he would have to work for the lead. Mystery Chase and Eric Ledford exploited the situation, stalking from the pocket before setting sail late to down Dougs Fame by 3/4 lengths in 1:52.1. Andreoli Hanover, coupled with Dougs Fame as a wagering entry, rallied for show.

Donnie Russell trains the 4-year-old son of Real Artist-Search For Cam, who pushed his career bankroll to $579,547, and owns with Edward Needle.

Dave Palone drove four winners on the 13-race card.

— Evan Pattak