by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — In his career Cedric Washington has reined 1,807 winners and now having drawn the early line favorite, CC Make A Buck, in Monticello Raceway’s 12th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pace, which is slated to go to post on Tuesday (Jan. 17), his chances of adding to his lifetime win total seem likely.

Each year since 2001 the Mighty M has featured the Dr. King Pace, not only to pay tribute to the great civil rights leader, but to showcase the talents of African-American drivers.

Geri Schwarz photo

Cedric Washington displays the trophy he won with Blissfull Doll last year in the Dr. King Pace.

On Tuesday a field of eight will go to post in race number six with three of the competitors former Dr. King Pace winners and of them, Cedric Washington, has been a three-time winner. Others who have been victorious in the events include Cedric’s dad, General “Bubba” Washington, Jr., and Dennis Watson.

And making their debuts in the Dr. King Pace are Jonathan Oney, JD Lewis and Ceba Horsey.

Cedric Washington’s CC Make A Buck has drawn the two hole and is rated at 5-2 on the morning line. A nine-time winner last year, CC Make A Buck finished fifth in his first 2012 start, but on Dec. 18 the 8-year old Nobleland Sam gelding was victorious in 1:58.2. He’s owned by Michelle Hallett of Margate, Fla.

Second best on paper is Fifth Street (3-1). Woody Hoblitzell’s Keystone Raider 8-year-old gelding comes into this race off a 1:59.1 triumph. Jonathan Oney has drawn the driving assignment and they’ll leave from post position five.

Also a factor will be Bobby “Bonnie” Williams’ Mt Vernon Hanover (9-2), a nine-time winner last season who was third in his first 2012 start. Mt Vernon Hanover has drawn the four hole for owner Ruth Ingram of Bloomsburg, Pa.

Rounding out the field are George Newell, Jr. with Bold N Brazen (10-1) from the pole position; Dennis Watson with Come Home Honey (12-1) from post three; General “Bubba” Washington with Catherine’s Colt (4-1) from the six hole; Ceba Horsey with Big Native (7-2) from post seven; and JD Lewis will drive Rawhide N (8-1) and leave from the eight hole.

Post time for the 13-race card is slated for 12:25 p.m.