MONTICELLO HOSTS NEW YORK POST CHALLENGE

Debbie Little shows her new colors

Monticello Raceway hosted the inaugural New York Post pacing challenge, a competition for Post personnel.

The four participants included television writer Don Kaplan, systems analyst Garry Sanders, and sports writer/handicappers Debbie Little and Anthony Stabile. Each claiming to have the advantage over the others.

"I think that I have the best horse in the race." claims Stabile. "The horse is well mannered and should be ready for today". Stabile has been training with Tony Bifalco a proven winner at Saratoga Harness.

Sanders, a former horse owner, relies upon his own experience and Trainer Carmine Fusco to lead him to the winners circle.

Kaplan, the most experienced of these drivers, uses the team of Pete Chandler and Clem Gagne of the Joe Guarino stables to guide him home.

The one to beat in this race had to be Debbie Little. Her record of four wins, five seconds in nine starts against media was a concern to the other drivers. Joe Minieri has been given credit for teaching Little how to drive to win. As an added bit of intimidation, Little debuts her own colors for this competition. In the past she has worn the silks of none other than Walter Case Jr.

The race got off to an uneven start as Stabile was 10 lengths off the gate at the start. Sanders with Sovereigness got off to the best start and carried his lead for the first half. Little made her move with Harriet at that point and challenged all the way to the back stretch only to be turned back by Sanders. The others were just starting to close the gap.

In the final stretch, Little made another move but it was not enough. Garry Sanders will wait till October 1 to drive against media winners for Monticello's fifth Annual Media Challenge. Debbie Little held off Don Kaplan for second. Anthony Stabile was a strong closing fourth.

Calling the race was Daily News Sports writer Dave Little. Dave may drive in Monticello's Daily news media challenge with his wife Debbie calling the race.

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