Two months into the calendar year, driver Scott Zeron has given himself a commanding lead in the Woodbine Racetrack drivers’ standings.
The Oakville, Ont. resident has accumulated 60 wins so far this season at the Rexdale, Ont. oval, 27 ahead of his nearest rivals, Chris Christoforou and Jody Jamieson, who both have 33 wins on the season.
“The trips have been really working out for me,” said Zeron. “Woodbine is such a front-end speed track, but I’ve had a lot of luck sitting second and third-over and being able to find the wire.”
Zeron hasn’t taken his lead in the standings for granted.
“I’m driving for a lot of good trainers and a lot of good horses at the same time," he said. "This is very tough, this is the toughest driving colony in Canada and it’s amazing to think that right now I have gotten away on a few guys in the wins category, but Jody hasn’t been here for a lot of it due to vacation.
"Last year I was one of the top three drivers in wins during the whole season and I wanted to continue that into this year and so far I’ve been successful,” he added.
The 23-year-old will take a few days off this week to attend the Dan Patch Awards in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he will receive the Rising Star Award of 2012 voted by the U.S. Harness Writers Association.
“I was really excited when I heard I was the winner,” said Zeron. “I only drove in the states a handful of times and to be recognized is a true honour. It’s pretty surreal and I’m really looking forward to being there on Sunday night. The heaviest hitters of harness racing will be down there and it’s a thrill to be apart of it.”
While in Florida, Zeron will take a few days to visit trainer Casie Coleman and be re-united with Canada’s 2012 Horse of the Year, Michaels Power.
“Since I’m down there, I plan to visit Casie and sit behind some of her babies and Michaels Power will be there too," he said. "I’m looking forward to see how they are progressing and to enjoy the weather.”
Zeron celebrated a career year in 2012 with $8,756,946 in earnings. He was also an O’Brien Award finalist as Driver of the Year for a third straight year.
(With files from WEG / Photo courtesy New Image Media)