Monticello, NY – Rey Franco vaulted off a pocket ride with 7-1 shot PC Free Wheeling and landed a photo-finish victory in the $8,500 North American Amateur Drivers Association (NAADA) Trot at Monticello Raceway on Wednesday (Oct. 21).
Leaving from post 5, Franco secured a seat with PC Free Wheeling behind tempo-setter Makin Magic Tonite (driven by Joe Faraldo) heading to a :28 first quarter. Franco cruised patiently behind the leader as no challengers approached towards a :57.2 half, but 3-5 chalk Reel Em In (Scott Keppler) soon initiated a bid out of third coming to three-quarters in 1:27.2. Reel Em In loomed closer towards Makin Magic Tonite rounding for home while Franco zipped into the open stretch and surged forward to put a head in front at the beam in a 1:57.4 mile. Makin Magic Tonite held second from Reel Em In while Kenobi (John Nicholson) closed for fourth.
Cory Stratton trains PC Free Wheeling for owner Calwell Mamie Racing LLC. The 8-year-old mare by Wheeling N Dealin-Heroine Seelster paid $17.82 to win.
NAADA action resumes at Monticello next Wednesday (Oct. 28) with the ninth preliminary of the club’s fall series. First-race post time is 12:10 p.m. (EDT).