Schwartz gets it done in NAADA Trot

MONTICELLO, N.Y.— Alan Schwartz defended the lead with Reel Em In (Crazed) and repelled all harness racing challengers to post a 1:58.1 victory in the $7,5000 North American Amateur Driving Association (NAADA) Trot at Monticello Raceway on Wednesday afternoon (Jul. 5).

Starting from post 2, Schwartz procured the point with Deltasun A (driven by Robert Ciavardini) parked at his side through a :58.2 first quarter. Deltasun A stayed at the leader’s throat while the tempo slowed to a :58.2 half, but couldn’t muster any more pressure up the backside as he started to lose ground towards three-quarters in 1:28.2. Reel Em In maintained a 1-1/4-length lead to the final turn and coasted into the stretch to cross the finish 1-1/2 lengths better than 7-5 favorite and pocket-sitter Fair Glider (Joe Lee) in second. Drazzmatazz (Joe Faraldo) grabbed third off a pylon ride, beaten another six lengths, with Deltasun A settling for fourth.

REEL EM IN / ALAN SCHWARTZ REPLAY

Robert Dill trains Reel Em In, a 6-year-old gelding, for owner Anthony Mazzeo. Off the third choice in the betting, he paid $8.50 to win.

NAADA action continues next Wednesday (July 12) at Monticello Raceway for the next preliminary in the club’s Summer Series. First-race post time at Monticello is 12:10 p.m. (EDT).

For complete race results, click here.

by Ray Cotolo, for NAADA