Could it be that Joe Pennacchio's victory tonight (Friday, Aug. 17) in the $15,000 NAADA Mid-Season Final at Yonkers Raceway not only fortified his stalwart seasonal resume but his 1:57.3 triumph with Cheeky Little Minx elevates him yet closer to a possible National Amateur Driver Award?

Enjoying his best season in the sulky, the talented amateur driver notched his 13th driving victory this year and that, along with nine seconds and two thirds in 51 starts, elevates his current UDR to a healthy .371.

Fresh off a trip to Italy where he was among a foursome that represented the USA against their Italian counterparts, the retired businessman drove his mare like a pro. After starting from the two-hole, Pennacchio settled Cheeky Little Minx down along the pylons in the early going and was third when the field passed the first stanza in :28.3 as John Calabrese showed the way with Keenan.

Pennacchio then moved his mare first-up approaching the half and by the time they passed the three-quarters, Cheeky Little Minx had two lengths on her competition and from there she coasted home an easy 3-1/4 length winner over the veteran Wygant Prince and driver Paul Minore. Soul Train and Joe Lee took home the show dough. Keenan faded and finished fifth.

It was the eighth seasonal triumph for Cheeky Little Minx, a six-year-old daughter of Lucky Chucky who raised her seasonal bankroll to over $40,000. She is owned by Joe P Racing LLC and trained by Allen Sisco. For Pennacchio, a retired business executive, it was his 175th driving victory since he joined the amateur movement back in 1995.

(NAADA)