by Frank Drucker, Publicity Director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Yonkers Raceway turned into Monti-cello Tuesday night (Nov. 28) as western New York driving standout Drew Monti won his first local race.

Mike Lizzi photo

Drew Monti won his first Yonkers race with Classy Lane Rose.

Monti, who has been making sporadic sojourns downstate, went up and over with Classy Lane Rose ($10.80) in the $15,000 seventh-race pace. The 7-year-old daughter of Jereme’s Jet crossed the line in a comfortable 1:54.4.

It was Monti’s first Westchester victory in his fifth try this season. The winner is owned by Monti‘s grandfather, Carl, and trained by Steven Weaver.

“We originally claimed (Classy Lane Rose) here from Yonkers for $20,000 (base price) and gave her some time off. She’s raced well for us in the top class back home (eight wins and more than $84,000 overall this season). She was back in for the same price again tonight.

“It’s just the next level,” Monti said of his Yonkers experience. “The money is certainly better, the horses are smoother and the drivers rarely make mistakes, so I really have to be on my toes.”

Monti, who had success at the Meadowlands last winter, said he’d consider trying the tri-state area more once the current Batavia season ends in mid-December.

“I know Yonkers closes around then (Dec. 17) also, but when you guys start back up in January, I may come down early in the week and see what happens.”

The 23-year-old Monti has compiled personal bests in wins (281) and purses ($1.7 million) this season.