Monticello, NY – Robert Ciavardini led every step of the mile with even-money chalk Woodside Genius to notch a 2:00.3 victory in the $7,500 North American Amateur Drivers Association (NAADA) Trot at Monticello Raceway on Wednesday (Oct. 1).
Leaving from post 3, Ciavardini pushed to the top with ease to cut a :30.1 first quarter with Star Hairdresser (driven by Andrew Adamczyk) securing the pocket. Woodside Genius coasted to the half in 1:02.1 and cruised up the backstretch while Muscle Detector (Scott Keppler) mounted a mild, first-over bid out of third. Past three-quarters in 1:31.2, Woodside Genius strolled through the last turn and down the lane for a 1-1/4-length victory over Star Hairdresser. Muscle Detector held third and Labyad Bros S (Joe Faraldo) gave chase off a ground-saving trip for fourth.
Gary Messenger trains Woodside Genius, a 5-year-old Dover Dan gelding, for owners Brenda Messenger and Scott Woogen. He paid $4 to win.
NAADA action continues next Wednesday (Oct. 8) at Monticello Raceway with the next preliminary of the club’s fall trotting series. First-race post time at Monticello is 12:10 p.m. (EDT).