Monticello, NY — For the second consecutive week and for the fourth time in his last six starts, Ladys Big Stormont emerged victorious over his rivals in the North American Amateur Drivers’ Association Trotting Series event at Monticello Raceway on Thursday (April 25).

But unlike his other triumphs, the big strapping altered son of Earl Of Stormont charged with a furious rally in the lane to score a 2:00.2 victory for his owner and and driver Alan Schwartz.

Ladys Big Stormont repeated in NAADA series action on Thursday at Monticello Raceway. Geri Schwarz photo.

“ Iwas thinking about leaving and challenging for the lead, but when three others had the same idea, I grabbed leather and looked for room along the pylons,” Schwartz explained.

Schwartz’s move proved beneficial despite being 10 lengths in arrears as Soul Train (Joe Lee) and Tough Get Going (Joe Faraldo) led the field by the first quarter in a swift :28 before Soul Train pulled the half back to :58.

“I was caught near the back of the pack and was looking for somewhere to go, but there was no room other than to follow the leaders,” Schwartz related.

Schwartz wiggled his way out off the pylons, but he saw the leaders getting away from him at three-quarters, so he moved to the far outside. Although his trotter was seventh at the top of the lane, Ladys Big Stormont hit another gear in the stretch, began gobbling up his rivals, and trotted clear for a 1-1/2 length triumph.

“I raced him many times over the past four seasons, but he was never as strong at the end of a mile as he was today,” Schwartz said smiling. “He even amazed me.”

But the victory also amazed Ladys Big Stormont’s backers as the gelding paid $14.20 to win.

It was the 40th lifetime victory for veteran trotter, who raised his career bankroll to over $319,000.

The top three point earners at the end of the series will vie for a chance to represent NAADA against their Italian counterparts later this year. With three series legs remaining, Schwartz leads the way with 39 points. Joe Lee (35) and Joe Faraldo (34) follow, with Bob Krivelin (28), Paul Minore (27) and Monica Banca (24) also in the hunt.

The next leg will take place next Thursday (May 2) at Yonkers Raceway.