by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — He came from top stock and arguably he could have been greater than he is, still Reflection Of Blue has become a very useful pacer.

Purchased a few years ago by Tony Mazzeo and currently under the tutelage of trainer Billy Devine, Reflection Of Blue, although not living up to the prowess of his dam, Rainbow Blue, nor his younger half-sister, Somwherovrarainbow, is having his best season since he was a 3-year-old.

Geri Schwarz photo

Jimmy Marohn Jr. seems to be saying “whoa big fella” as Reflection Of Blue reels off a 1:54.2 victory.

On the Monticello Raceway afternoon card of Tuesday (May 20), Reflection Of Blue paced to victory in a time of 1:54.2 for an easy four length victory, again with Jimmy Marohn Jr. at the controls. It was the pacer’s third consecutive victory and eighth in 15 seasonal starts and his winning time is the fastest this season at the Catskill Mountains oval.

“He’ll cheat if you don’t fire him up,” Marohn said of Reflection Of Blue, when they stopped in the winner’s circle for a post-race photo. “Sometimes he’s a little hard to handle, especially if he’s not tending to his business. But he’s got a big motor and Billy (Devine-the trainer) seems to have him at the top of his game right now.”

Reflection Of Blue came into Tuesday’s contest off a two hole trip victory in 1:55.2, but Marohn chose to race him on the front-end since they were starting from the pole position. And after Marohn fired him up, Reflection Of Blue led the field of $10,000 claimers to the quarter in a swift :27.2. With the pedal to the metal they paced by the half in :57 and the three-quarters in 1:26 and they finished an easy winner over Dreamluck and driver Bruce Aldrich Jr.

“He really went a big trip today and he was still strong at the end of the mile,” said owner Tony Mazzeo after he had his picture taken in the winner’s circle with his pacer and driver Jimmy Marohn Jr.

Sent off at odds of 3-10, Reflection Of Blue paid $2.60 for win.