by Shawn F. Wiles, for Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — On a sunny, yet frigid day, as the temperature got warmer Bruce Aldrich Jr. got hotter as he reined four winners Thursday afternoon (Feb. 5) at Monticello Raceway.

Geri Schwarz photo

Hot Summer Knight was one of four winners on Thursday for Bruce Aldrich Jr.

On the 10-race card, Aldrich’s winning afternoon started in the fifth race as he scored a wire-to-wire win from the rail with the roan Sinful Vito in 2:02.3, who found the drop in class much more to his liking.

In the sixth race, he took the overland route from the eight hole with American Tower to win in 2:02.3 for trainer Paul Weinrich. Overlooked by the betting public, going off at 24-1, the 4-year-old American Ideal gelding returned $50.00 for win.

Also in this race, Jim Marohn Jr., driving Silverhill Delights, went down at the wire when he hooked wheels with Kyle Dibenedetto driving HD’s Dream Boy. Marohn did not suffer any injuries, while HD’S Dream Boy suffered a minor gash on his knee. Dibenedetto and his mount were unscathed.

In the eighth race, Aldrich scored with Hot Summer Knight, who raced like the chalk that he was, to score another easy wire-to-wire victory. Hot Summer Knight won by eight lengths for his second consecutive win of the young year in 2:04.2 for owners Todd and Lynette Butler, returning $2.30 for win.

Aldrich’s last win of the afternoon came in race nine as he drove All Native for the first time for trainer Tim Miller Jr., who hails from Guilford, N.Y. All Native, who is always competitive from an inside post, played catch me if you can as he led from start to finish in 2:01.1.

Monticello Raceway’s new Pick-5 wager is rapidly gaining momentum and popularity in its first week of being offered.

Monticello Raceway is also racing on Friday this week, with a 12:25 p.m. post time.