NAADA action fast and furious at Monticello

Monticello, NY— Two divisions of harness racing trotters in the North American Amateur Drivers Association (NAADA) series went to post at Monticello Raceway today and when the judges hung the official signs Scott Keppler and Andrew Byler won their respective $7,500 splits; Keppler with Lincoln Tunnel in 2:03.2 and Byler with Living Proof I Am in 2:01.1.

As the 9-10 favorite in his division Keppler started slowly over the wet racetrack and was fifth at the quarter with Lincoln Tunnel in :30.1 as Dave Yarrick showed the way with Mr Ridgetaker although he was being challenged by Joe Lee with Pilgrim Caviar.

Mr Ridgetaker rebuffed all challenges and got the first call at the top of the lane. With many of the trailers on the limb Keppler snuck the eventual winner up along the pylons and was the one to beat as the fielded headed for paydirt. And no one could stop Lincoln Tunnel as the altered son of Manofmanymissions was the strong horse at the wire and a length winner over Karets (Chris Petrelli). Pilgrim Caviar garnered the show dough,

Keppler owns the winner who is trained by Steve Moore. He paid $3.80 for the win.

LINCOLN TUNNEL REPLAY

Sent off at odds of over 20-1 in the second split Byler settled Living Proof I Am down along the pylons in third position after starting from the five hole as Skyway Tinacious and Joe Lee showed the way past the quarter in :29.2 .

Strong on the lead Lee and his trotter got first call past the half in :59;3 and again at the three quarters in 1:30. But trouble was looming as Living Proof I Am got off the pylons and ranged up alongside the leader and when they rounded the final turn and headed for home Alan Schwartz had Raceace in high gear and they collared Living Proof I Am as both trotters headed for the finish line.

It was a tight photo that showed that Byler’s trotter was a neck better than Schwartz’s as the timer flashed 2:01.1. Skyway Tenacious garnered the show dough.

Living Proof I Am, a 7-year-old gelding by Prayer I Am, is owned by Homestead Trotters and trained by Andrew Byler. He paid $45.80 for the win.

LIVING PROOF I AM REPLAY

For full race results, click here.

by John Manzi, for NAADA