by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — It may not be the same at all racetracks but at Monticello Raceway for a trainer to win four races on one card is a rarity. However, on the Monday card (Sept. 17), trainer Dan Gill sent out four winners — all driven by the talented Jimmy Marohn, Jr.

Perhaps highlighting Gill’s four wins may not be a lead in the story since Jimmy Marohn, Jr. won a total of five races on the card, but for that rising star he’s done that a few times before and he is quick to give Gill plenty of credit for his efforts.

“Danny is one of the hardest workers on the backstretch. He’s always got his horses fit and he comes to race,” Marohn offered. “Driving his stock makes me look good.”

Marohn drives exclusively for Gill and the combination has been lethal. Currently, Gill’s 80 training wins is third only to Pete Pellegrino’s 94 and Gary Messenger’s 92. And Marohn is currently second on the leaderboard here with 189 winning drives, just two less than Greg Merton’s 191.

Marohn is having his best year ever. His 261 winners is the most he’s ever had in one season — 257 was his previous best in 2009 — and he still has more than three months of action before the curtain comes down on the 2012 season.

Among Marohn’s accomplishments this year was his second driving title at Tioga Downs, which proves the youngster is compelling on any size race track.

“I really like racing over the five-eighths track at Tioga and I’ve been lucky enough to do well. I had a great summer there and finished as the leading driver again (he also won in 2009),” he said modestly.

Now with 1,865 career driving victories, he was asked when he is going to make a move at the big time tracks in the greater New York area.

“I’ve been swinging my bat and I hope to hit one soon,” Marohn said. “I might try the Meadowlands when they open again.”

If he does try the Big M he’ll bring plenty of talent there and with the right kind of stock he’ll certainly be heard from.