by John Manzi, for the CADC

Monticello, NY — Dave Yarock, a financial planner by trade from Tenafly, N.J., hustled his mare Shania Twain to the lead as the field sped away from the starting gate and they made every pole a winning one enroute to a 1:59.3 victory in the $5,000 Catskill Amateur Drivers Club Series at Monticello Raceway on Thursday, August 12.

“She’s a dream,” Yarock said about Shania Twain in the winner’s circle after her triumph. “Jimmy (trainer Jimmy Doherty, Jr.) had her in top form for this race and she put in a real good mile. I’m really very pleased with her performance today.”

Geri Schwarz photo

Shania Twain was a 1:59.3 winner for Dave Yarock.

Sent off as the betting favorite in the race Shania Twain ($4.60) didn’t disappoint and rambled to a two length triumph over a fast closing Mr Restrictorplate and driver Michael Feigenbaum. Third place went to Mr Touring who was driven by Cory Stratton. Now 18 years of age, Stratton was granted his “P” provisional license and now is eligible to drive in overnight races at most race tracks.

The $3,000 consolation in the amateur drivers series saw Eric Taddeo, a New York City fireman, hustle 19-1 shot Admirals Chance up in the final strides to win in a 2:00.1 clocking.

Taddeo benefited by swift early fractions from I Am A Nut and driver George Munniksma. After Munniksma and his pacer passed the quarter in :29.1 he kept the pedal to the metal and they charged by the halfway point in :57.4 and they were still on the lead as the field turned for home.

But Admirals Chance, who picked up the chase up the backstretch, finally wore down I Am A Nut, collared him with less than 50 yards to go, and scored a neck triumph. Third place went to Ya Gotta Belief and driver Robert Lovett. Taddeo also owns Admirals Chance, who paid $40.40 for win.