by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — The 2012 Excelsior Series, which was initiated this year, will conclude on Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 19) at Monticello Raceway with four $45,000 divisions.

Only the top point earners in each of the divisions of the season-long series earned eligibility. All divisions are for 3-year-olds. Colt trotters, filly trotters, colt pacers and filly pacers comprise the four splits and on Wednesday they’ll go as races six, seven, eight and 10 on the 11-race card.

The first split that will go to post — race six — will be the sophomore trotting colts and geldings and the leading point earner in that division, Macksmith, who won here in 1:59.1 in a preliminary leg on August 6, is favored. And due to common ownership Macksmith will be coupled in the wagering with Abundance Of Credit, who was seventh in total points. Sam Schillaci will drive Macksmith from post six while John Stark, Jr. will handle Abundance Of Credit from the two hole.

The following race features the sophomore pacing filly finalists with the two top point earners as the favorites on the morning line. Blows Me Away comes into this race off three consecutive wins, the fastest a 1:54.1 effort in her last outing. She was victorious here in 1:55.4 on August 28. Table Games, second in points, was a 1:55.4 winner in her last start and is the co-favorite. Jimmy Marohn, Jr. will drive the former and start from the eight hole while Jason Bartlett will be in the pilot’s seat on the latter.

Race eight features the sophomore trotting fillies led by Pretend To Be Nice, third in total points. Jeff Gregory will drive her from post seven. The highest point earner in that $45,000 division, J’Omama, is rated 9-2 on the early line and will be handled by Jimmy Whittemore and they’ll leave from the three hole.

The final $45,000 split will be for the sophomore pacing colts and go as race 10 on the card. They’ll have to beat Fireyourguns, a winner of nine of 19 races this year. Jimmy Marohn, Jr. will be the teamster when they start from post three in what appears to be a highly competitive field.

First post is slated for 12:50 p.m.