Chris Petrelli reined 34-1 shot Cyclone Maximus to a 2:02.4 victory in the $7,500 North American Amateur Drivers Association trot on Wednesday (Aug. 31) at Monticello Raceway after the 3-5 favourite, Keystone Blade, and second choice, 3-1 Bully Boy, jumped it off after the start.
With the favourites no longer in contention, Dave Yarrick sent Mr Ridgetaker to the lead and they showed the way past the quarter in 29 seconds. Despite Petrelli and Scott Keppler, who was driving Fun Time Charlie, looking to move up, Yarrick still set the pace and led the others by the half in 1:01.2. The field was closing in but Mr Ridgetaker got first call when he passed the three-quarters in 1:31.2, but when he rounded the final turn and headed for home, his lead began to dissipate and he began to fade. In the deep stretch, four trotters rushed to the wire but Cyclone Maximus proved to be the strong horse and he overtook his competition and held off Con Air Hall, with Jake Stillwell aboard, to win by a half-length in 2:02.4. Third-place went to Fun Time Charlie with Mr Ridgetaker fourth.
The winner, an eight-year-old Dukes Ranger gelding, is owned by Joe Ricco Jr. and trained by Nancy Montembeault.
He paid $70 for the win.
(With files from North American Amateur Drivers Association)