Bullets fired in Rooney

Raced for the first time since 2003, and for a purse more than $100,000 higher than it had ever been contested for in its previous 15 renewals, Friday's $490,904 Art Rooney for 3-year-old male pacers went to favored Gimmebackmybullets. The race--with just five going postward--was originally scheduled for Yonkers Raceway but when that track's 2006 opening was delayed it was moved to Monticello Raceway.

Driven by Stephane Bouchard, Gimmebackmybullets led from post one through fractions of :27.4, :57.2 and 1:27 before just holding on by a nose over a fast-charging Jake Of Diamonds (Ray Schnittker) in 1:55.3. Gimmebackmybullets had pretty much his own way through the distance until Schnittker pulled Jake Of Diamonds from third at the three-quarter pole. At that point there were only four in any kind of contention as White Hot Cards, the even-money second choice behind the 4-5 favored Gimmebackmybullets, made a break behind the starting gate.

A son of Bettor's Delight, Gimmebackmybullets is owned by Legacy Racing Stable and trained by Ed Hart. The win was Gimmebackmybullet's eighth of the year in 14 starts, increasing his seasonal earnings to $402,810 and career total to $436,315. He was recently named Monticello Raceway's 3-year-old pacing colt of the year.

In one of the easiest one-length victories possible, Darlin's Delight coasted to a 1:55 win in the companion $209,210 Rose Of Tralee for 3-year-old filly pacers. Just five lined up behind the gate with Darlin's Delight the overwhelming 1-5 choice.

Yannick Gingras got away third with Darlin's Delight but when early leader Art's Temptress, the 8-5 second choice with George Brennan, made a break coming out of the first turn, he quickly moved to the top to take command. Darlin's Delight then set fractions of :28.4, :58.4 and 1:27.1 while pocket-sitter Xhilaration gave chase with Stephane Bouchard.

Pacing a final stanza in :28.4 Darlin's Delight sealed the victory, with Xhilaration keeping it close under the wire. Sweet Paprika was a distant third, followed by Lislea Bella and Art's Temptress, who recovered to move briefly back into third down the backstretch the second time around before fading.

A daughter of Bettor's Delight out of champion mare Town Pro, Darlin's Delight is trained by Jeff Stafford for owner-breeder White Birch Farm. The win was her ninth of the year in 14 starts, increasing her seasonal earnings to $794,579 and career total to $1,354,983.

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