By: Shawn
Wiles
Monticello Raceway featured its normal Thursday mainstay,
the Catskill Amateur Driving Event. Changing her tactics and deviating from the
norm this week rather than cut the mile, Jennifer Lappe was content to sit the
pocket journey while Monica Banca aboard Fox Valley Leo cut the
fractions.
Monica Banca and Fox Valley Leo left the gate first from post
5 and had the lead in the first turn, Lightning Strike the
1-5 favorite and Jennifer Lappe protected their position from the 2 hole and
settled in the garden spot while Fox Valley Leo left splits of 28.2, 58.4.
1:29.2 on the teletimer. Bob Davis and Sand Benelli tried to get the
outer flow going at the half in the small 6 horse field but found no takers,
but continued to grind it out on the backside. At this point the heavy
track took its toll on Fox Valley Leo as Banca popped the ear plugs at the ¾,
but to no avail as the early pacesetter faded in the lane. Sand Benelli ranged
into contention of the top of the stretch, but the real estate saving Lightning
Strike was able to clear and go on to win by a length over Sand Benelli in
2:00:2.
It was the 3rd win in a row for Lappe and
Lightning Strike, the 9 YO gelding by Cam Terrific is trained and owned by
William Mintz, and in the process picked up his 7th seasonal win.
Paul Walker and Doc’s Zippy were 3rd. All 3 of Lightning
Strikes string of wins have come in the Catskill
Amateur events and has 4 wins in 6 starts in the event.
Live racing resumes on Monday November 20 with a 12:25 post
time.
