Two $7,500 trots in the North American Amateur Drivers Association (NAADA) series went to post on Wednesday (May 4) over a rain-soaked racetrack at Monticello Raceway with Joe Lee and Alan Schwartz each reigning a winner in their respective splits -- Lee with Pilgrims Caviar in 2:01.4 and Schwartz with Raceace in 2:01.2.
In his division, Lee left softly from the two-hole with Pilgrim Caviar and tucked in along the pylons as Schwartz cut the early fractions with Ladys Big Stormont. Ladys Big Stormont showed the way past the first quarter in :29.1 and still had command when the field trotted by the half in :59.3. But when the field headed up the backside, Lee moved Pilgrim Caviar off the pylons and challenged for the lead as did Scott Keppler with Judge Ken. When the trotters rounded the final turn, Ladys Big Stormont was still the leader but was tiring. When they headed for home, Pilgrim Caviar was the strong horse and Lee rallied him to a 2-1/2 length triumph. Judge Ken finished second as Tony Verruso hustled Call Me Thefireman up for the show dough.
The winner, a five-year-old altered son of Pilgrims Chuckie, is owned by Marissa Russo and trained by Dave Russo. He paid $9.70 for the win
In the other division, Schwartz left strongly from the five-hole with favoured Raceace and was parked by the first quarter in :28.4 and still on the limb at the half in :59.1. At that point, Raceace was strong and took command from Karets, driven Chris Petrelli, who was showing the way. But when Raceace rounded the turn and headed for the three-quarters, it was apparent that no one was going to catch him as he opened up three lengths on the field and coasted home an easy 3-1/4-length winner. Winneress finished second for Verruso and Cyclone Maximus garnered the show dough with Jake Stillwell aboard.
Raceace, a six-year-old Yankee Glide gelding, is owned and trained by his driver. He paid $4.70 for the win.
(With files from NAADA)