by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Last year some slick driving enabled Jennifer Lappe to angle her pacer Polly S Turr between horses at the top of the stretch and then rally to a 2:00.3 victory over Trust Funding and Betsy Phillips in the Lady Godiva Pace.

Geri Schwarz photo

Jennifer Lappe will defend her crown in the Lady Godiva Pace.

Lappe will return to defend her crown this year when Monticello Raceway presents its ninth edition of the race for the Godiva Chocolates that features the driving talents of the gentler sex.

The Lappe versus Phillips confrontation may materialize again this year as Phillips, the winningest female driver in Monticello Raceway history (548 wins), will be back in the bike for the competition. Phillips, who has competed often in the Lady Godiva, won the 2008 edition with 30-1 longshot Dryad Hanover and paid $62.00 for win.

Lappe, whose prowess is more on the training side, harnessed 74 winners here in 272 starts last season for a .408 UTR. But make no mistake about it, the 5’-7”, 127-pound blond lady knows her way around the racetrack.

Of the eight previous winners only Terry Donnelly will be back in action again this year. During the 2004 campaign Donnelly reined 70-1 shot Greenmeansgo to an upset victory in a time of 2:03.1 and returned a whopping $148.50 win payoff.

“However there is a chance that two-time Lady Godiva Pace winner Jody Riedel may also participate,” noted Eric Warner, the track’s director of racing. “Her stock has been competing successfully at Yonkers (Raceway) and if she doesn’t have anything in to go there on Feb. 14 she may be able to drive in our race.”

Already consented to take part in this year’s Lady Godiva are Mighty M top trainer Lisa Krom, who is off to another great start again this year (10 wins in 29 starts) and Stacy Chiodo, who holds a world record. During the 2007 season Chiodo drove the fastest mile ever by a female driver when she reined Mighty Young Joe to a 1:50.3 victory at Harrah’s Chester.

Though others have expressed interest Warner will need eight drivers to fill the race. Anyone wanting further information — or to enter in this year’s Lady Godiva Pace — is urged to contact Warner in the track’s race office by calling 845.794.4100, ext. 557, or they can contact the raceway’s publicity department at ext. 455.