MR - 7-IN-A ROW FOR SAND E FIFTYFIVE; MAROHN SR. & JR. IN NEAR DEAD-HEAT

 Quietly Sand E Fiftyfive has been winning races and with her triumph yesterday(Jan.30)at Monticello Raceway  it marked the mare’s seventh victory  in a row.  Racing for a tag of $6000 the I Am A Fool 6-year-old was driven to victory by Billy Dobson.

Sand E Fiftyfive was a comfortable length winner for Dobson at the wire at the finish (Geri Schwarz Photo)

Her consecutive string began  on November 28^th  and all her victories were by open lengths except her 2:00 clocking on  January 6 where Sand E Fiftyfive  came from behind a eeked-out a nose victory.

“She’s been a nice mare her whole life winning over $224,000 and taking a 1:55 mark at The Meadows as a 2 year old, “ noted trainer Billy Kapinos. “ Her 1:56:3 win here  in late November was her fastest   of her seven wins last year.”

Owned by Barry Charles of New Rochelle, NY , Sand E Fiftyfive defeated McDonna (Stephane Bouchard) by a length in a time of 1:58.4 on the Monday card. She paid $4.30 for win.

For Dobson, who was the meets leading driver here last winter  before moving his base of operation to Saratoga Raceway, is again challenging for leadership in races won,. His victory with Sand E Fiftyfive was one of three winners on the card for the man in blue, gray, and white colors. He also scored with The Filly Princess (1:59.3) in the fourth race and with Nice Big Star (1:58.4) in the seventh.

An oddity nearly occurred in the 12^th race on the Monday, January 30^th program when a father and his son nearly finished in a dead-heat separated by only head at the finish.

Only a head  separated Jimmy Marohn Sr.  with All Natural (#5) and Jimmy Jr. with Community Spirit (#1) at the wire. (Geri Schwarz Photo)

Jimmy Marohn (Sr.) was cutting the fractions with  All Natural  while Jimmy Jr.  drafted along in second place  with Community Spirit. At the top of the lane  Marohn the younger took aim at Marohn the elder and their two horses rushed to the finish heads a part with Jimmy Jr. prevailing with Community Spirit in a 1:59.2 clocking.

“Hey, we’re all out there trying to win and no matter who we race against victory is number one,” Jimmy Marohn, Jr. related after his winning drive. Dad and I finished  first and second quite few times (in the past) and if he’s in the way I’ll try to beat him every time. It’s certainly not personal, it’s just  business.”

Said Marohn, Sr after the race “ If I have to get beat at the wire there’s no one I’d rather have beat me than Jimmy Jr. But I sure was trying to beat him today only his horse was a little stronger than mine at the finish.”

Owned by Edward Hall of Lebanon Ct., Community Spirit was sent off as the 1-2 favorite and paid $3.00 for win. She’s trained by Daniel Gill.