Cal launched a three-wide bid into the final turn and narrowly reached in Tuesday's (Jan. 19) featured $6,100 Open Pace at Monticello Raceway.
As heavy favourites Foo Fighter N and KJ Erich wrestled for the lead through a :29.1 quarter, driver Jimmy Devaux was content to rate Cal in sixth. At the :58 half, Devaux moved Cal into a developing outer flow before moving three-deep on the backstretch with a full head of steam. The five-year-old American Ideal gelding ground down Foo Fighter N in upper stretch and barely held off a late charge from runner-up KJ Erich to win in 1:56.4. Whats Goin On rallied out of traffic for third.
Cal, who paid $23.40 to win, is trained by Art Green for owner William Emmons.
Han Solo recorded his third win in a row, taking a $5,200 conditioned pace in 1:57.2. Devaux drove for trainer Sheena McElhiney.
Devaux and Mike Merton both had driving triples on the card, and Bruce Aldrich Jr., who his four victories away from the 8,000-win milestone, notched a double.
(with files from Monticello Raceway)