Monticello, NY — What started out as a furious contest for position ended in a romp for Soul Train and driver Joe Lee, as the duo scored their second consecutive triumph in the North American Amateur Drivers Association Trotting Series this week at Monticello Raceway on Thursday afternoon (May 9).

Soul Train and driver Joe Lee scored back-to-back wins in NAADA series action at Monticello Raceway. Geri Schwarz photo.

Lee, the New York Yankees’ assistant locker room manager, bided his time and watched an early speed duel between Tough Get Going (Joe Faraldo) and Ladys Big Stormont (Alan Schwartz), and then rallied late to pick up all the pieces, winning by eight lengths in 1:59.2.

After Schwartz had gained command when the starter said “go,” Faraldo came alongside with a rush and Schwartz grabbed leather to let him go. But as they approached the first stanza, Schwartz wanted to retake — which he did — but not after being forced to a :29.3 quarter.

Meanwhile, Lee had settled along the pylons in the early going. After the battle on the front end, he moved his trotter to the outside as the field neared the halfway point.

“I floated out of there and watched the leaders battle royally. And when the dust settled, I sent my trotter toward the front end, and ‘Ole Soul’ knew just what to do as he trotted to the lead and opened up daylight up the backside,” Lee said.

At that point, Soul Train had three lengths on his competition at the three-quarters. From there, only the margin of victory was in doubt as Soul Train coasted home an easy winner. Connie Keeper (Tony Verruso) nosed out Ladys Big Stormont for second money.

The 8-year-old Trainforthefuture gelding is co-owned by Lee and Blindswitch Racing, the Good Friends Stable and Santo Farino. He paid $3.20 to win.