by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Als Court A shadowed the leaders through five furlongs, then charged to the lead and paced away to an easy victory in the $6,800 feature at Monticello Raceway on Tuesday, April 19.

Owned by the Zippett Racing Stable of Yonkers, New York, the Australian-bred 11-year-old gelding covered the mile distance in a time of 1:54.3, which is currently the fastest clocking of the season at the Catskill Mountain double-oval.

Mike Merton handled the driving chores for trainer Brian Horlacher, whose stable is the hottest on the grounds and now has 44 victories in just 112 starts.

What appeared on paper to be the best race of the year proved to be correct as Als Court A scored his second consecutive victory against the best pacers on the grounds. Sent off at odds of 6-5, he paid $4.50 to win.

Spandrel Hanover, in from Freehold Raceway where he was victorious in 1:53.3 on February 26, was the second choice in the betting, perhaps because he was to race from post position eight, but his presence caught the eye of winning driver Mike Merton.

“I knew he’d (Spandrel Hanover) be leaving from out there and I wanted to find a seat early,” Merton said. “Billy (Parker with Niarun) also left (the starting gate) quickly and parked Kyle (driving Spandrel Hanover) by the quarter in :27:4 and at that point I thought our chances (for a victory) were good. And when the half (mile time) flashed in :56.1, I felt even more confident.”

Heading up the backstretch the final time, Merton tipped Als Court A to the outside and charged up alongside Spandrel Hanover. The two favorites paced side-by-side until the three-quarter pole when Als Court A drew off to an open length lead and the only thing in doubt from there was the margin of victory.

At the wire an eased-up Als Court A had three lengths on second place finisher Niarun, with West Gun (Greg Merton) another length farther back in third place.

For Merton it was one of four driving victories on the matinee program. He also scored with pacers Whata Johnny (1:59) and Direct Order (1:59.1) and trotter Peerless Price (2:03.1).

The $6,300 pacing co-feature went to Bob Schreibeis’ Waterside Speed and driver Stephane Bouchard in a time of 1:56.1. They turned back the lightly raced Arturo sophomore colt Rendell (Billy Parker, Jr.), who was making just his second seasonal start. He won last week in 1:58 after winning five of 11 races (the fastest in 1:57.3) during his freshman campaign.

For Bouchard, who competes here three times weekly, the victory was one of three he had on the card. He also scored with Smmmo K’n Joe Kool (1:59.4) and Storm Master (1:56.4).