by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — A pair of Standardbreds, one a pacer and one a trotter, each scored their sixth seasonal victories at Monticello Raceway on Monday afternoon (April 25).

Geri Schwarz photo

Under strong urging from Jimmy Marohn, Jr., Backbackbackitup won for the sixth time this year.

Koles Return, a 10-year-old Noble Return mare driven by Zeke Parker, overcame starting from the seven hole and used an overland trip from the half to catch and turn back the pacesetter Classy Ivory and driver Jimmy Taggart, Jr. to notch a 2:01.4 triumph. The victory was the mare’s fifth in her last six starts.

Trained by Art Green, Koles Return is owned by Charles Veneziale, Tom Raines and Larry Winebrenner. She paid $5.90 for win.

Koles Return was joined by a trotter from the Jennifer Lappe barn, Backbackbackitup, who also scored her sixth seasonal triumph. The 5-year-old daughter of Tidewater Tadino was driven to a 2:03.1 victory by Jimmy Marohn, Jr. For Backbackbackitup it was her fourth win in her last six starts. Owned by trainer Lappe, the trotter paid $3.80 for win.

Strongbow made it two in a row in the Monday trotting feature when Jimmy Taggart, Jr. sent him to the lead as the wings of the gate folded and Strongbow marched home an easy wire-to-wire winner in a 2:02.1 clocking over the muddy track surface. Last week Strongbow was victorious here in 1:59.2 over a track rated fast.

Strongbow, a 9-year-old chestnut altered son of Striking Sahbra, is trained by Terry Beck for Mary Fajardo, Helen Licitra and Manuel Fajardo. Sent off as the prohibitive favorite he paid $3.70 for win.