Monticello, NY — Scott Keppler and Andrew Byler won their $7,500 North American Amateur Drivers Association trotting events on Wednesday (April 6) at Monticello Raceway, teaming up with Lincoln Tunnel and Living Proof I Am, respectively.

Sent off as the 9-10 favored tandem in the first division, Keppler and Lincoln Tunnel started slowly over the wet racetrack and were fifth through a :30.1 quarter as Mr Ridgetaker (Dave Yarock) was challenged by Pilgrim Caviar (Joe Lee). Mr Ridgetaker rebuffed all challenges to maintain the lead at the top of the lane, but Keppler rallied Lincoln Tunnel up the pylons to win by a length in 2:03.2. Karets (Chris Petrelli), who pulled the pocket approaching the final turn, preserved second over Pilgrim Caviar.

Steve Moore trains Lincoln Tunnel, who paid $3.80 to win, for Keppler, who also owns the victorious 5-year-old Manofmanymissions gelding.

In the second split, trainer-driver Byler settled Living Proof I Am into third and stalked comfortably behind Skyway Tinacious (Lee), who rated splits of :29.2, :59.3 and 1:30. Trouble loomed on the final turn for Skyway Tinacious, though, as both Living Proof I Am and Raceace (Alan Schwartz) emerged to challenge the leader. They both collared Skyway Tinacious in upper stretch, and Living Proof I Am finished a neck in front of Raceace to win in 2:01.1. Skyway Tinacious finished third.

Homestead Trotters LLC owns Living Proof I Am, a 7-year-old Prayer I Am gelding who paid $45.80 to win.