For the first time in decades, the North American Amateur Drivers Association (NAADA) winter/spring trotting series finally received enough entrants to present a consolation final when seven drivers, who didn’t make the top eight in points for eligibility in the series finale, obtained mounts for the $5,000 series consolation today (Wednesday, April 6) at Monticello Raceway.

Tony Verruso emerged victorious after he guided his own Sams Honeybee to a 2:02.2 victory.

“Initially, I wasn’t thrilled about not making the final, but as it worked out, maybe it was a blessing in disguise,” Verruso said in the drivers room after the race.

“I raced my mare in all the series legs, but we were outclassed and failed to earn enough points for eligibility in that $15,000 final tomorrow at Yonkers [Raceway], so winning this [consolation] gave us a bigger payday than we probably would have earned in the series finale.”

Winning today's consolation at Monticello Raceway wasn’t an easy task for 19-1 Sams Honeybee, but a cool heads-up drive by Verruso showed why he’s one of the most talented amateur drivers on the circuits today.

When the race began, the three inside horses went off-stride on the first turn and the field scattered to avoid complications.

“I skirted breaking horses by weaving in and out and finally settling in along the pylons in fourth [position] as we headed to the quarter pole,” Verruso explained.

Monica Banca, with Pixel Queen, cleared the confusion on the first turn as did Bob Davis and Swift Blizzard, but it was the lady who showed the way.

Verruso was the first to move as the field trotted by the half and into the clubhouse turn. Up the backside, Sams Honeybee was gaining on Pixel Queen, but Ms. Banca and her charge still had command as they rounded the final turn and headed for paydirt.

In the lane, Sams Honeybee was the strong horse as she trotted around Pixel Queen and on to a one length victory. Swift Blizzard held off a fast-closing Bad I Am (Jim Marshall IV) for the show dough.

Sams Honeybee, trained by Carl Gillispie, paid $40.80 for win. For Verruso, who is the president of the CKG Billings Series, it was his 61st driving victory.

Thursday night (April 8) the eight drivers with the most points in the NAADA series will battle in the $15,000 final at Yonkers Raceway. “Hurricane Hannah” Miller, last year’s Amateur Driver of the Year, will handle the early favourite, Jacks To Open, from post six.

(With files from NAADA)