Although it appeared that the six-horse NAADA Trot during Thursday’s card of racing at Monticello Raceway had an evenly-matched field in reality when the event was contested the winner, Ladys Big Stormont, trotted off and hid from his competition and won the race by some 6-1/2 lengths in a time of 2:02 on the wet and windy afternoon over a track rated good.
When the starter said go Schwartz hustled his charge for the lead and they showed by the first quarter in a soft :29.4.
“When we left out of there I really wanted to follow Faraldo (with Tough Get Going) and settle in behind him but when his horse made a break before the start I decided to go to the front and was pleased that we got a soft (first) quarter” Schwartz said.
Once comfortably on top Schwartz was able to control the fractions. He and his trotter cruised by the half in 1:01.2 with Joe Pennacchio and Cheeky Little Minx tight on his back. But as they headed for the three quarters Ladys Big Stormont began to draw off by some 3-1/2 lengths and from there the only thing in doubt would be the margin of victory.
In mid-stretch Paul Minore and Six Bax rallied for second money while Cheeky Little Miss faded and finished third.
It was the sixth seasonal triumph and the 42nd career victory for the eight-year old altered so of Earl Of Stormont which raised his lifetime earnings to over $334,000.
Lady Big Stormont is owned and trained by his driver. Sent off as the favourite in the race he paid $3.80 for win.
(NAADA)