by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — George Polk, Jr. and Anna Sage have been named the favorites in Monticello Raceway’s 10th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pace which showcases the talents of African-American drivers. The race is slated to go to post on Monday, Jan. 18, the day the Nation will honor the memory of the great civil rights leader.

Anna Sage, an 8-year-old daughter of D M Dillinger, has been tabbed at odds of 5-2 on the early line despite having drawn post position seven. Owned by Anthony Mazzeo, James Tumia and Peter Basta, she has won more than $105,000 in her career and comes into the Dr. King Pace with three wins in her last four outings here, the fastest in 2:00.

The second choice, Windy City Paige from post position two, won nine times during 2009, the fastest a 1:54.2 clocking at Pompano Park. She finished second in 2:00 in her last start here and James O’Farrow has drawn the drive behind the 5-year-old Cole Muffler mare.

Last year’s winner of the Dr. King Pace, Jim King Solomon, will not participate this year due to complications resulting from an automobile accident last year but previous winners General “Bubba” Washington and Don Simmonds have mounts in the event. However, two-time event winner, Cedric Washington, wasn’t available to drive on Monday.

Career horseman “Bubba” Washington will start from the coveted pole position with Deadlysatifaction, an eight-time winner in 2009, the fastest a 1:56.1 clocking at Scarborough Downs. Simmonds drew longshot Deco and will start from post five.

Dennis Watson, who has been the conditioner of $206,000 winner Jaguar Jet and who finished second and third in recent Dr. King paces, gets the mount behind Roll The Di, a 1:57.1 winner at Saratoga Raceway last year. Rated 4-1 on the early line, the pacer, who had a third place finish in his first seasonal start this year, will leave from post position six.

Here is the field for the Mighty M’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pace, from the rail out with drivers and morning line odds): Deadlysatisfaction-General “Bubba” Washington, Jr.-6-1; Windy City Paige-James O’Farrow-3-1; Cannae Sandra-Orlando Green-5-1; Noreen-Bobby “Boonie” Williams, Jr.-7-2; Deco-Don Simmonds-12-1; Roll The Di Dennis Watson-4-1; Anna Sage-George Polk, Jr.-5-2; and Role Reversal-George Newell, Jr.-10-1.