by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Friday (Dec. 31) will be a special day at Monticello Raceway. Besides being an added program, two races will be of special interest. One is the fifth edition of The Au Revoir for 14-year-old pacers making their last lifetime pari-mutuel start while the other is an attempt by Northern Chief to notch his 16th consecutive victory.

In The Au Revoir, five “old timers” will go to post for a $7,500 purse which is nearly three times the amount that they have raced for in most of their seasonal starts. Favored in that event is Mr Touring, a 1:58.2 winner earlier this year who has six seasonal triumphs. He’ll start from the pole position with Brandon Simpson at the controls.

Second choice on the early line is Sinbad, who finished third in 2:02 in his last start on Dec. 28. Jimmy Marohn, Jr. has the driving assignment behind the Falcon Seelster gelding who has three seasonal victories. They’ll leave from the four hole.

Others in the contest include Jaccamo A from post two with Chuck Poynton aboard; Prince Rama A, in from Scarborough Downs in post position three with Mike De Runtz at the controls; and Jaccka Seelster N, also an import from Scarborough Downs, with Robert Dinning in the pilot’s seat from post five.

“Of all the Au Revoir’s that we were able to fill since 1991, this race figures to be the most competitive,” noted Eric Warner, the Director of Racing. “Every starter has a chance to win and driving strategy will probably determine the winner. And with a short field every horse should be in contention throughout the mile.”

The 14-year-olds will square off in race number five.

An added feature on the Friday card will be Northern Chief trying for his 16th win in a row. Right back in for a $4,000 claiming tag the 7- year-old Apache’s Fame gelding will leave from the three hole in the fourth race with Mike Merton again in the sulky.

Northern Chief has not lost a race since he finished fifth on July 15. For the season the pacer has had 16 wins, four seconds and one third in 23 starts. He’ll be out to extend his track record for consecutive victories.

Post time for the 12-race New Year’s Eve afternoon card will be at 12:25 p.m.