Monticello, NY — Chris Petrelli reined 34-1 shot Cyclone Maximus to a 2:02.4 victory in the $7,500 NAADA trot Wednesday (Aug. 31) at Monticello Raceway after the 2-5 favorite, Keystone Blade, and second choice, 3-1 Bully Boy, jumped it off after the start.

With the favorites eliminated, Dave Yarrick sent Mr Ridgetaker to the lead and they showed the way past the quarter in :29. Despite Petrelli and Scott Keppler, with Fun Time Charlie, looking to move up, Yarrick still set the pace and led the others by the half in 1:01.2.

The field was closing in but Mr Ridgetaker got first call when he passed the three-quarters in 1:31.2, but when he rounded the final turn and headed for home the lead began to dissipate and he began to fade. In the deep stretch four trotters rushed to the wire but Cyclone Maximus proved to be the strongest horse and he overtook his competition and held off Con Air Hall (Jake Stillwell) to win by a half-length in 2:02.4. Third place went to Fun Time Charlie with Mr Ridgetaker farther back in fourth.

The winner, an 8-year-old Duke’s Ranger gelding, is owned by Joe Ricco Jr. and trained by Nancy Montembeault. He paid $70.00 for the win.