by John Manzi, for the NAADA

Monticello, NY — Despite the fact that NAADA is preparing to host a contingent of their counterparts from Spain next week the beat goes on for the members of the North American Amateur Drivers Association.

Thursday night (May 3) at Yonkers Raceway, two short divisions in the eighth leg of the current NAADA trotting series went to post and when the judges declared them official both Alan Schwartz and Dr. John Kokinos each emerged victorious in their respective splits which went postward prior to the betting card getting underway.

Schwartz had an eye opening triumph with his own Ladys Big Stornont in a 1:57.3 clocking while Doctor John scored comfortably in 1:59.2 with Here Comes Numbers. Both were convincing winners.

Schwartz started from the four-hole and settled in fourth position and was there until the field headed to the halfway point where he moved first-up. They trotted around Wygant Prince (Paul Minore) and when Ladys Big Stormont passed the three-quarter pole they had a length lead which was opened to two lengths at the wire. Soul Train, in rein to Joe Lee, rallied to be second while Fox Valley Steffen and Jennifer Lappe captured the show dough.

“He went a monster trip tonight,” a jubilant Schwartz said after the race. “He’s a nice horse with a big motor and tonight’s race was his best thus far this year.”

Doctor John is enjoying one of his best seasons in the sulky, notching his third win in the current trotting series and his fifth in just nine seasonal starts.

In his split Kokinos sent Here Comes Numbers to the lead from the three hole and it was catch me if you can and nobody could as Here Comes Numbers trotted home a two length winner over Tough Get Going, driven by NAADA president Joe Faraldo. Far back in third was Bob Davis with The Royal Harry.

“Again, I had a good horse and was merely little more than a passenger,” said Kokinos. “I’m learning good lessons driving these classy old veterans.”