by Shawn Wiles, for Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Monticello Raceway featured its normal Thursday (Nov. 16) mainstay, the Catskill Amateur Driving event.

Geri Schwarz photo

Lightning Strike collected his third straight victory at Monticello Raceway on Thursday afternoon.

Changing her tactics and deviating from the norm this week rather than cutting the mile, Jennifer Lappe was content to sit the pocket journey while Monica Banca aboard Fox Valley Leo cut the fractions. Banca and Fox Valley Leo left the gate first from post five and had the lead in the first turn, while Lightning Strike, the 1-5 favorite, and Lappe protected their position from the two-hole. They settled in the garden spot while Fox Valley Leo left splits of :28.2, :58.4. 1:29.2 on the teletimer.

Bob Davis and Sand Benelli tried to get the outer flow going at the half in the small, six-horse field but found no takers, so they continued to grind it out on the backside. At this point the heavy track took its toll on Fox Valley Leo as Banca popped the ear plugs at the three-quarter pole, but to no avail as the early pacesetter faded in the lane.

Sand Benelli ranged into contention of the top of the stretch, but the real estate saving Lightning Strike was able to clear and go on to win by a length over Sand Benelli in 2:00:2.

It was the third win in a row for Lappe and Lightning Strike. The 9-year-old gelding is by Cam Terrific is trained and owned by William Mintz. This was his seventh seasonal win.

Paul Walker and Doc’s Zippy were 3rd.

All three of Lightning Strikes string of wins have come in the Catskill Amateur events and has four wins from six starts in these contests.

Live racing resumes on Monday (Nov. 20) with a 12:25 p.m. post time.