by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

MONTICELLO, NY – Eric Goodell, a perennial leading driver on the Michigan circuits is trying his luck at Monticello Raceway. On Tuesday, November 28 the 33-year-old reinsmen made his initial drive a winning one when he reined Whistle Bear to victory in the track’s $15,000 preferred pace.

Sent off as the betting favorite the vastly improved Whistle Bear turned in his fastest clocking at Monticello when Goodell guided him to a 1:54:4 triumph over Special Report, driven by Mike Sorentino, Jr. Third place in that event went to King Cat Anvil N who was handled by 19-year-old Jordan “the Kid” Stratton.

Whistle Bear, who was winless in six starts last season, scored his 8^th victory of the year and raised his seasonal earnings to over $38,000 for owner Darryl Thomas of Newark, NJ.

It took a while but Goodell has moved east to compete at the Mighty M. For years Goodell was on top the driver’s lists at many Michigan tracks.

Goodell brings with him very impressive credentials. He began the day with 343 seasonal driving victories and purses of $1,571,693 to go along with a .360 UDR in 1522 starts.