by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — DVC Gifted Indeed won his fourth consecutive race at Monticello Raceway on Tuesday afternoon (May 7). It was also the ninth victory of the year for the 6-year-old Place To Be gelding from the local powerful stable of Bob Lounsbury.

Geri Schwarz photo

DVC Gifted Indeed ran his winning streak to four with a 1:58.1 score.

With driver Bruce Aldrich, Jr. at the controls the Lounsbury-trained DVC Gifted Indeed scored in wire-to-wire fashion and held off a fast closing Delco Tross and driver Jimmy Taggart, Jr. to win in 1:58.1.

“He’s certainly a classy old horse who knows how to win, despite all his (physical) problems,” Aldrich said in the winner’s circle after his driving victory. “He now has nine wins this year (in 14 starts) and last season in Bob’s barn he won 14 times. I had the pleasure of driving him for most of those wins, too. Really, if there ever was a horse who knows how to win it’s DVC.”

Now with nine seasonal triumphs, DVC Gifted Indeed is tied (with eight others) for fourth place in wins in North America. With Tracys Song leading all others with 14 seasonal victories, it gives trainer Lounsbury the first and fourth winningest horses thus far this year.

DVC Gifted Indeed, owned by Irwin Kaplan, raced with a $10,000 tag. He paid $3.00 for win.

The Mighty M can also claim to be the home of the horse with the second most victories in 2013. Haroun Hanover, from the Danny Gill barn, is tied with two other pacers, each with 11 seasonal triumphs.

Haroun Hanover was again a bridesmaid on Tuesday, finishing second to Three Artist for the second time in their two recent confrontations. Three Artist, from the Pete Pellegrino stable, defeated Haroun Hanover when he paced by him in the deep stretch to score in 1:56 for driver Billy “Zeke” Parker, Jr.

Haroun Hanover had a new “jock” this week in the presence of Bruce Aldrich, Jr., but together they couldn’t stave-off Three Artist and Zeke Parker, who shadowed Haroun Hanover to the top of the stretch and then out-footed him to the wire.

It was the second seasonal win for Three Artist, who is owned by Ethel Schneider. He paid $3.20 for win.