by John Manzi, for the CADC

Monticello, NY — After two months of periodic competitions the Catskill Amateur Driving Club’s summer series will culminate with a $5,000 Final on Thursday, August 12, at Monticello Raceway. Also slated that afternoon is the $3,000 consolation.

The finale pits the drivers who have earned the most points during the many competitions that were also raced at Historic Track and Tioga Downs over the past few months.

Series point leader Cory Stratton will celebrate his 18th birthday on Thursday and he will be presented with his provisional license after showing his capabilities in the sulky this season. Stratton, the kid brother of Jordan Stratton, has lifetime stats of five wins, five seconds and nine thirds in 25 starts for a hefty UDR of .431 — all in the amateur ranks — which also includes competitions in the CKG Billings Series where his 75 points is atop the East Region leaderboard.

Stratton will handle Mr Touring, the second choice on the early line. Three of the youngster’s victories were behind the Ricky Maher, Jr.-owned and trained 14-year-old Albert Albert gelding. They are slated to leave from the three hole.

Another Billings standout, Dave Yarock, has the morning line favorite in Shania Twain, who will come into this contest off a 1:59.1 in her last start. Yarock also owns and Jim Doherty, Jr. trains the 9-year old Keystone Raider mare who start from post position four.

Stratton and Yarock will battle against five others in race five.

Bob Lovett handles the 5-2 favorite Ya Gotta Belief from post position three in the series consolation, race one on the Thursday 13-race card. The 6-year-old Firm Belief gelding is trained by Ricky Maher, Jr. for owner Kyle Ramsay.

First race post time is set for 12:50 p.m.