Monticello, NY — When a horse is deemed the best in a race, the driver knows the most preferential place to be is on the front end. And that’s just where Alan Schwartz put Ladys Big Stormont in the North American Amateur Drivers Association Trot at Monticello Raceway on Thursday afternoon (Oct. 22).

And once there, the big, strapping nine-year-old Earl Of Stormont gelding didn’t let him down and cruised to a gate-to-wire triumph in 2:01.1.

“He’s now won 45 races in his career with the overwhelming majority while racing on the lead,” Schwartz said of his veteran trotter. “And today he was extra gritty, turning back all comers and finishing strong.”

When the starter released the field, Schwartz gunned Ladys Big Stormont to the lead. They had control on the first turn, but had to contend with a parked Massamillion (Bob Davis).

Davis rushed his trotter up alongside Schwartz’s charge, who had command and the pylon position. They raced side by side past he first quarter in :29.1, and they were still like a team by the half in :59.4.

“I guess I got a little lucky when when Bob (Davis) didn’t try to force the pace, and the fractions turned out to be just right for me,” Schwartz acknowledged.

After the half, Massamillion began to fade, but Bob Krivelin had Permanent Joy in high gear to rush alongside Ladys Big Stormont by the third stanza in 1:31.1.

“My horse was up to the challenge, and when he saw Krivelin’s trotter, he put it in another gear … We drew off a couple of lengths and cruised home an easy winner,” Schwartz said.

Permanent Joy held on for second money, while Garnet (Chris Doherty) took home the show dough.

Ladys Big Stormont, who paid $4.20 to win, is owned and trained by his driver. For Schwartz, it was his 623rd amateur driving victory.