Haroun Hanover was seeking his 12th seasonal
triumph except Three Artist got in his way and out-footed the Bettor’s
Delight gelding in the deep stretch to emerge victorious in the
$12,500 claiming event at Monticello Raceway on Tuesday afternoon,
April 16.
“I figured I was going to get a good trip,” winning driver
Zeke Parker said about Three Artist who was starting from the pole position. “I
thought if I stayed on Marohn’s back I’d be able to beat him but that Haroun
Hanover is a tough customer. “
Jimmy Marohn, Jr. was again on the pilot’s seat behind
Haroun Hanover who was leaving from the three-hole and when the gate sprung
Marohn gunned him to the lead with Parker and Three Artist tight on his back.
Haroun Hanover led the field by the quarter in :28.2 and was
on top at the halfway point in :57.2.
Marohn gave his pacer a little breather up the backside
while trying to force Parker to pull Three Artist earlier than he wanted. But
it didn’t work. Parker waited until the final turn before he made a move and
then slowly began to grind forward.
At the top of the lane as the two pacers headed for paydirt
they were side by side. At that point it appeared that Three Artist would sweep
to the lead but Haroun Hanover hung tough. However, about a hundred yards
before the finish Parker’s pacer forged to the front to score his first victory
of the season.
“I was undecided whether to wait until the stretch to
move on Marohn but I figured if I did he’d back into me, so I moved a little
bit earlier. When I pulled I really thought I’d get by him with no
trouble but Marohn’s horse didn’t quit. We come (sic) a last quarter in :28 and
a piece and I was all out to beat him,” Parker said.
Owned by Ethel Schneider of Factoryville, Pa. and trained by
Pete Pellegrino Three Artist paid 5.10 for win.
As usual the starting was again needed to help Marohn
pull-up Haroun Hanover after the race.
“He just doesn’t stop but I’m so used to him now. I just
wait him out,” Marohn said about Haroun Hanover’s penchant for not pulling up
after the mile race. “So we go round (the track) a couple more times and
then the starting gate comes out and helps me stop him.”
