Joe Lee scores again in NAADA

MONTICELLO, N.Y.— Joe Lee launched from the pocket through the open stretch to nab a narrow harness racing victory in the $7,500 North American Amateur Driving Association (NAADA) Trot at Monticello Raceway on Wednesday (July 12).

Leaving from post 3, Lee settled into the pocket with Fair Glider (Yankee Glide) behind 8-5 favorite Call Me Thefireman (driven by Anthony Verruso) through a :28.3 first quarter. Reel Em In (Alan Schwartz) then began a first-over advance from fourth into a :59 half and marched towards Call Me Thefireman’s side trotting to three-quarters in 1:28.4. Call Me Thefireman succumbed to pressure into the lane and Reel Em In grabbed a short lead, as Fair Glider fired through the inside off a ground-saving trip to snag victory by a neck in 1:59. Reel Em In settled for second with Call Me Thefireman third and Winter Mint (Bob Davis) taking fourth.

Daniel Gill trains Fair Glider, a 12-year-old gelding, for owner Adam Friedland. Off the second choice at 9-5, he paid $5.60 to win.

NAADA action is slated to resume next Wednesday (July 19) at Monticello Raceway. Just four legs remain for the Summer Series, which will feature a consolation at Monticello Raceway on Wednesday, Aug. 9 and a final at Yonkers Raceway on Thursday, Aug. 10.

For complete race results, click here.

by Ray Cotolo, for NAADA