by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Brickyard Dan used the overland route to finally wear down pace-setter Star Lantern and go on to a half length victory in Monticello Raceway’s 15th annual Little Grey Jug on Sunday afternoon, October 3, at the Catskill Mountain oval.

Owner-trainer Ray Baynes was in the sulky when the five-year-old Direct Scooter gelding notched his third triumph this year in a seasonal best of 1:58.3.

Star Lantern, a 13-1 shot with Sean McAlesse at the controls, went for the lead from post position five and gained command half way around the first turn. The eventual winner was content to trail the leaders past the quarter pole in :28.4, but Baynes moved his grey ghost to the outside as the field headed for the half-mile marker.

Brickyard Dan paced up alongside Star Lantern and the two paced side-by-side by the three-quarter pole in 1:28.4 and Brickyard Dan even had a neck lead as the pair rounded the final turn. But a gutsy Star Lantern battled back to get his head in front as the two straightened away for the stretch drive. Though Star Lantern hung game, Brickyard Dan turned it up a notch and drew off to a length victory at the finish line. Star Lantern was a game second with Amazing Graay and driver Mike Cruse rallying from far back to finish third.

“Star Lantern hung tough, but as we headed to the three-quarter pole I was fairly confident that we’d win it,” Baynes told reporters after his victory. “But it came harder than I expected; Sean’s horse was gritty.”

Sent off as the odds-on favorite, Brickyard Dan paid a paltry $2.90 for win.

Earlier on the card, Margarita Girl won the Little Grey Mug, the race for the lesser caliber grey pacers.

Stephane Bouchard hustled Oliver Rose III’s daughter of Fighting Major to the lead from post eight and later put away a strong challenge from Zeke Parker and favored Thunder Thunder for a length victory in a time of 2:00 even. Thunder Thunder held on for second money, with TJ Mathew’s Star third best for driver Jimmy Devaux.

Sent off at odds of nearly 4-1, Margarita Girl paid $9.90 for win.