Monticello
NY – On Friday December 27, at Monticello Raceway on a track listed as good, a
field of 5 pacers lined up behind the starting gate for the last time in their
career in the Au Revior $5,000 Invitational Pace. For almost a decade and a
half, these 5 equine iron geldings have been behind the starting gate almost
1600 times in their combined careers.
When
the gate left, the betting favorite FLEM N EM N starting from post
position. 5 and driver Jim DeVaux were first away followed by Lucky Man right
along side, DeVaux worked his mount hard to get the front keeping Lucky Man at
bay, they zipped the opening quarter in 27.3, Lappe and Lucky Man were parked
and had no choice and was forced to tuck in the 3 hole well past the paddock
turn. The Saratoga invader FLEM N EM M took the field to the half in 57.3, at
this point Lappe pulled the right line for the last time and started the outer
flow and was first over and bid his time as the leader FLEM N EM
N hit the the ¾ in 1:27.3, with Lucky Man parked on the outside, in
the paddock turn Lucky Man Urged on by Lappe exploded in a matter of strides
and had an instant 3 lengths on the field at the head of the stretch.
The
usually reserve Lappe savored the moment and pumped her arm in the air before
the wire, reminiscent of the Stanley Dancer moment with Duenna in the
Hambletonian, the duo hit the wire in 1:57.2 drawing off by 5 lengths, pacing
their last quarter in 29.4, FLEM N EM N finished second Lightning
Raider N third, the winner paid a $6.40 for win. It was his 9th win
of the season and has banked over $32,000, Christopher Bliss was a late
scratch.
Lucky
Man’s career stats and overall body of work is impressive, the $90,000 Camluck
yearling purchase amassed lifetime earning of $1.2 million with a lifetime mark
of 1:49.1 as a 5 year old at Mohawk Raceway with 60 career wins, he
is co owned by Trainer-Driver Jennifer Lappe and Patrick Laiso.
After
the winner circle presentation, and emotional Lappe paid homage to her stead
and unhooked the sulky and walked the gutsy campaigner Lucky Man back to the
paddock for the last time to enjoy the moment amid the spattering of claps for
the classy duo from those admirers on the racing apron that braved the elements
to bid him farewell.
Cool
him out good, this last time.
