BY
FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway
YONKERS, NY, Tuesday, November 28,
2017—Yonkers Raceway turned into Monti-cello Tuesday night (Nov. 28th),
as western New York driving standout Drew Monti won his first local race.
Monti, who has been making sporadic
sojourns downstate, went up and over with Classy Lane Rose ($10.80) in the
$15,000, seventh-race pace. The 7-year-old daughter of Jereme’s Jet crossed the
line in a comfortable 1:54.4.
It was Monti’s first Westchester victory
in his fifth try this season. The winner is owned by Monti‘s grandfather, Carl,
and trained by Steven Weaver.
“We originally claimed (Classy Lane Rose)
here from Yonkers for $20,000 (base price) and gave her some time off. She’s
raced well for us in the top class back home (eight wins and more than $84,000
overall this season). Shaw was back in for the same price again tonight.
“It’s just the next level,” Monti said of
his Yonkers experience. “The money is certainly better, the horses are smoother
and the drivers rarely make mistakes, so I really have to be on my toes.”
Monti, who had success at the Meadowlands last winter, said he’d consider
trying the tri-state area more once the current Batavia season ends in
mid-December.
“I know Yonkers closes around then (Dec.
17th) also, but when you guys start back up in January, I may come
down early in the week and see what happens.”
The 23-year-old Monti has compiled
personal best in wins (281) and purses ($1.7 million) this season.
