Campbell wins Monticello-OTB Classic

Mypanmar established a new overall track record at Monticello Raceway on Tuesday afternoon when Hall of Famer John Campbell drove the 6-year-old son of The Panderosa to a wire-to-wire victory in the $480,000 Monticello-OTB Classic final in 1:51.2. The race was the richest in the 50-year history of the Mighty M.

Owned by the Peter Pan Stables of Pepper Pike, Ohio, and trained by Virgil Morgan Jr., Mypanmar lowered the former mark of 1:51.4 set by Corey’s On Cromby and driver Catello Manzi on June 28, 2005.

Establishing a new track record in the event was worth another $5,000 for Bob Glazer’s Peter Pan Stables and Morgan--another Buckeye--will receive another $10,000  for being the winning trainer in the race.

Actually, Morgan had two chances to take home the trainers bonus. His other charge, Mister Big, driven by David Miller, finished second some 1 1/4 lengths behind the winner. Third place went to Maltese Artist who was driven by Brian Sears.

Mypanmar started from the post position three and Campbell immediately took him to the front and they  paced through fractions of :27; :55; and 1:23.1. At the three-quarters, Mister Big, who was the even-money favorite in the race, had to go three deep to range up alongside the leaders. When the field came off the final turn Mister Big mounted a challenge but Mypanmar was up to the test and he cruised home a winner in what turned out to be the fastest time ever recorded at Monticello Raceway.

Campbell, who always seems to be in the right place at the right time, was once again with his catch-drive behind Mypanmar.

“I had a good horse that’s real good on a half (mile track) and we drew well,” Campbell said about Mypanmar

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