by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Quick, name a 19-year-old driver who has already won 60 races in his career. Though there may be others, Jordan “The Kid” Stratton certainly qualifies.

Stratton (born June 30, 1987) drove his 60th career winner on Tuesday afternoon, April 17, at Monticello Raceway when he guided He’s The Most to an upset victory in a time of 1:57 in the track’s $11,900 Winners Over Pace.

Racehorsephoto.com

He’s the Most turns back Alastor Hanover and How Forever Feels.

Dismissed by the betting public and sent off at odds of over 22-1, Stratton put his pacer on the pylons in the middle of the pack in the early going and then moved behind cover at the half, still in fifth position.

However, “The Kid” swung his He’s The Most three-deep at the three-quarters and then settled in second in the final turn behind the pacesetter, Alastor Hanover (Stephane Bouchard), though still two lengths behind the leader.

When Alastor Hanover began to tire, Stratton moved He’s The Most out to challenge and the two raced head-to-head through the lane and were joined late by How Forever Feels and driver Billy Parker, Jr., who were charging after being some seven lengths off the leaders at the top of the stretch.

All three pacers rushed to the finish line with He’s The Most a neck better than Alastor Hanover, with How Forever Feels another half length back in third place.

Owned by the Palpac Stables of Ottawa, Ohio and trained by “The Kid’s” dad, David Stratton, He’s The Most rewarded his backers with a $47.60 win payoff.

The victory behind He’s The Most was “The Kid’s” 30th this season and equaled his total from last year. His current 2007 stats show him with 30 wins, 35 seconds and 26 thirds in 212 starts for a .274 UDR, and for the 5’ 11” – 160 pound teenager the future looks nothing but bright.

Last season Stratton was named the track’s Rising Star by the Monticello-Goshen Chapter of USHWA and upon receiving his award at the Chapter’s annual awards banquet said, “I love the sport and hope to become an all-around horseman,” and then he paused and added, “I’d really like to be a top catch-driver some day.”

According to Eric Warner, Monticello Raceway’s Director of Racing, Stratton is definitely on the right track.

“He’s a nice young man and seems to have lots of talent,” Warner said. “He’s very polite and comes from a good family. If he keeps on doing what he’s doing and keeps his act together, the sky’s the limit for him.”