by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Eight pacers of nearly equal quality will carry the hopes of the participating drivers in Monticello Raceway’s seventh annual St. Paddy Pace on Friday afternoon, March 16.

“With no standout in the race any one of the eight horses is capable of winning and the one that gets the best trip from his driver is likely to be victorious,” noted Monticello Raceway Director of Racing Eric Warner. “It (the race) is a pretty even match and anyone can win.”

Headlining the drivers in the event, which features the talents of drivers of Irish extraction, is Hall of Famer Jim Doherty. Doherty has been gracious enough to participate in nearly all of the St. Paddy Paces and was victorious in the third edition when he reined Big Willy to a 2:01.3 victory. On Friday he’ll handle 3-1 rated (on the morning line) Pass the Light and will start from post position four.

The early 5-2 favorite, Yankee Jordan, will be driven by Peter Gerry, whose mother is of Irish descent. They’ll start from post position three. Gerry, an outstanding amateur driver, is also the president of the C.K.G. Billings Amateur Drivers Series.

A late driver change on H H Stonehenge now has the pacer being driven by his trainer, Jody Riedel, whose mother is of Irish heritage. Riedel will be the only female competing against her male counterparts. They’ll start from the coveted rail position. By the way, Riedel finished fourth in the track’s Lady Godiva Pace earlier this year and won that event twice in the past.

Besides Jim Doherty, former St. Paddy Pace winners in the field on March 16 include John Gilmour (2002); Mike Doherty (2001 inaugural) and John McDermott (2005). McDermott, one of the top trainers at the Meadowlands, like Jim Doherty, also took time out of his busy schedule to participate in the race for the Irish.

The field, in post position order with drivers, lines-up as follows: H H Stonehenge (#1-Jody Riedel); Flyin Aftermidnit (#2-Steve Quinn); Yankee Jordan (#3-Peter Gerry); Pass The Light (#4-Jim Doherty); RT Sixth Six (#5-John Gilmour); John’s Revenge (#6-Mike Doherty); I’m A Hot Tom (#7-John McDermott); and Mat Haze (#8-Gary Messenger).

Post time for the first race is at 1:10 p.m. and the St. Paddy Pace is slated as race number 3 on the 10-race card.