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Monticello, NY — Two $7,500 trots in the North American Amateur Driver’s Association (NAADA) harness racing series went to post Wednesday over a rain-soaked racetrack at Monticello Raceway and when the events were declared official, Joe Lee and Alan Schwartz each reigned 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 Joe Lee left softly from the two hole with Pilgrim Caviar and fell in along the pylons as Alan Schwartz cut the early fractions with Ladys Big Stormont. They showed the way past the first quarter in :29.1 and still had command when they trotted by the half in :59.3.
When the field headed up the backside Lee moved Pilgrim Caviar off the pylons and they challenged for the lead as did Scott Keppler with Judge Ken. When they 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 5-year-old altered son of Pilgrims Chuckie, is owned by Marissa Russo and trained by Dave Russo. He paid $9.70 for the win.
PILGRIM CAVIAR REPLAY
In the other division Alan Schwartz left strongly from the five-hole with favored Raceace and they were parked by the first quarter in :28.4 and were still on the limb at the half in :59.1.
At that point Raceace was strong and took command from Karets (Chris Petrelli) who was showing the way. When they rounded the turn and headed for the three quarters it was apparent that no one was going to catch Raceace as he opened up on the field and coasted home an easy 3-1/4-length winner in 2:01.2. Winneress finished second for Tony Verruso and Cyclone Maximus garnered the show dough with Jake Stillwell aboard.
Raceace, a 6-year-old Yankee Glide gelding, is owned and trained by his driver. He paid $4.70 for the win.
