by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Despite having to start from post position seven, Northern Chief cruised to his 11th consecutive victory at Monticello Raceway on Wednesday afternoon (Nov. 3) for driver Mike Merton and in the process established a new track record for consecutive victories.

Northern Chief’s final time of 1:57.1 equaled the pacer’s best this season.

Mike Merton celebrates as Northern Chief wins in 1:57.1 and scores his track record 11th win in a row.

Last week the 7-year-old Apaches Fame gelding tied the track record initially set by Hogies Cam (2008) and Mr Thinker (2010). Northern Chief’s eye-opening, seven length triumph on Wednesday now leaves his name alone in the record books.

After settling in seventh place in the speedy early going Merton moved his charge at the three-eighths pole and ranged alongside the leaders as they passed the halfway point. Once the field straightened away in the backstretch Merton moved Northern Chief three-deep and the pacer zoomed by his competition and cruised home an easy winner.

Last week Merton defied horsemen’s logic by talking about breaking the track record. He redeemed himself when the horse did what Merton said he would do.

“After his last start I was told not to talk about setting a new record but I don’t believe in that kind of stuff,” Merton said while being congratulated in the winner’s circle after the track record victory. “What will be will be, and I thought since he (Northern Chief) was racing like a champ he had a good chance to set a new mark.

Geri Schwarz photos

Mike Merton accepts the trophy from Shawn Wiles, the track’s Assistant General Manager.

“But I have to say we got lucky today when (drivers) Zeke (Parker) and Kevin (Hough) got into a speed duel during the first half which was ideal for me. They gunned by the half in :57.3 and all that early speed made the rest easy for us. Boy I’ll bet Nelson is jumping up and down.”

Nelson, in Merton’s reference, is Nelson Arocho, the dedicated groom of Northern Chief, who won this season’s “Caretaker of the Year Award” at Monticello.

Northern Chief is owned by Robert Merton, Jr. and Al Desimone and is trained by Gary Messenger. He paid $3.40 for win.