On Monday, April 5, Monticello Raceway presented its 12th annual Passover Pace, also known as the 'Race for the Matzohs.'

Alan Charles, who raced horses in metropolitan New York years ago and who now is trying a comeback of sorts, was a last-minute replacement for Dr. Doug King, who unfortunately came down with a case of food poisoning and could not fulfill his driving obligation.

In the race, Charles hustled Cody Little Gal to the lead off the gate and proceeded to go wire to wire for a 2:01:3 triumph.

“I was told by the horse’s trainer (Jamie Gerard) that she (Cody Little Gal) could leave a little and was better on the front-end," Charles explained, "so I went for the lead, and when the eight horse (In Concert, driven by Mark Liebowitz) came at us, I kept her on the limb.

"I felt bad that I roughed up that guy (Liebowitz), but my mare was hitting the bike in the turns and I really didn’t want to grab into her."

Cody Little Gal put away In Concert as the field started up the backstretch, and as she headed for the three quarters, challenges came from behind. However, Cody Little Gal was up to the test and drew off by three lengths as the field rounded the final turn. In the lane Charles asked his pacer for more and she responded and coasted home an easy two-length winner. Cody Little Gal produced a $16.90 Win payoff for her backers.

Amateur driver, Derick Giwner, the editor of the trade paper Harness Eye, rallied Ms Denise between horses to finish second. The betting favourite, Nans Ace (driven by Mike Kimelman) finished third.

When the excited and happy Alan Charles reached the winners circle for the trophy presentation the first words out of his mouth were: “Now I can get in next year’s race, can’t I?” Eric Warner, the track's director of racing, then explained that as the winner of the event Charles will be invited back next year to defend his title.

The Passover Pace was the fourth leg of the 'Mighty M’s 2010 Heritage Drivers Series. The next scheduled Heritage Drivers Series event is the Maple Leaf Pace for drivers of Canadian heritage.

(With files from Monticello)